RP06: Natural DNA methylation variation in Fragaria vesca populations along climatological gradient - CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS

  • PhD Supervisor(s): Vítek Latzel, Zuzana Münzbergová
  • Host Institution: Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Průhonice near Praha, Czech Republic
  • Duration: 36 months with possible extension for another 12 months.
  • Fixed start date: 1 April 2018
  • Planned secondment(s): ecSeq Bioinformatics Leipzig (GE); Philipps Universitaet Marburg (GE); Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique, Angers (FR)

Plant trait variation is commonly assumed to be driven by DNA sequence variation. However, increasing body of evidence suggests that epigenetic variation such as DNA methylation can be additional mechanism that enables heritable trait variation. Epigenetic variation can be induced by environment and can be independent of genetic variation. Epigenetic variation may thus be an important factor in adaptation of natural populations that can operate at faster time scale than adaptation based on DNA sequence variation.

In this project, we will evaluate patterns of epigenetic variation of natural populations of wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) along climatological gradient. We will screen methylation variants of samples taken from plants of natural populations and samples of the same clones that have been transferred to a common garden environment. This will allow characterizing epigenetic population structure, association of methylation variants with relevant ecological and climatic variables and comparison of epigenetic population structure determined by environmental induction relative to stably inherited methylation variation. In addition, we will evaluate the role of DNA methylation variation in local adaptation by conducting reciprocal transplant experiments using experimentally demethylated and naturally methylated plants. In cooperation with members of the EpiDiverse network we will also focus on the role of transposable elements in population differentiation and their responses to environmental stress.

Qualifications

We seek a bright, highly motivated, and enthusiastic plant biologist with a background in (epi)genetics and and/or population genetics with interest to work both in the laboratory and in field conditions. A high standard of spoken and written English is required, as are good quantitative and analytical capabilities, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

 

Contact information

The position is a temporary appointment, initially for 1 year and upon satisfactory performance to be prolonged for a maximum of 3 years. In the case of excellent performance the position may be extended for another year, thus 4 years in total.

The Institute of Botany is one of the top research institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The institute is located in a large UNESCO heritage site in Průhonice, a suburb of Prague, with large park that maintains extensive collections of native and introduced plants. The Institute carries out fundamental research on species, populations and communities of plants. The PhD position will be hosted either at Charles University’s Department of Botany or University of Tübingen’s Department of Plant Evolutionary Ecology. Access to student activities and seminars at Charles University, Prague will be available even in the case of official appointment to Tübingen University.