MSC: THE GENETIC BASIS OF PARALLEL ADAPTATION

Jon Mee and Sam Yeaman (co-supervised)
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary

We are seeking to recruit an MSc student with an interest in conducting field work, an interest in fish husbandry, and a solid foundation in population genetics and quantitative methods. The MSc will work on the following project:

The genetic basis of parallel adaptation. Our labs have collected data on several complementary systems and we have developed theory that collectively provide insights into the repeatability and redundancy of the genetic basis of adaptation. In brook stickleback, we have found that different genes underlie spine reduction in different populations, which suggests redundancy in the genetic basis of adaptive polymorphism. In plants, we have found that the number of genes underlying adaptation (and their effect size) shows surprising consistency with predictions of theoretical models. We aim to continue studying brook stickleback, and potentially other fish species, to address big questions in evolutionary biology about repeatability and the constraints on evolution.

This position will have a tax-free stipend of $35K/year. The position will start in September 2025.

TO APPLY: Please send a CV and a cover letter (preferably in a single combined PDF file) to jmee@mtroyal and samuel.yeaman@ucalgary.ca (include both in the “to” field). In your cover letter (max 2 pages), provide a short description of your interest in the position, any relevant research experience, and how your training matches the desired qualifications. We will begin reviewing applications on November 1^st.