Background
There is an increasing interest in identifying the genetic basis of adaptation in order to develop proactive strategies aimed at reducing the vulnerability of forest stands and maintaining forest productivity.
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, play a significant role in biological processes related to developmental and phenotypic plasticity in plants. In this context, we are searching for a student interested in a Ph.D. project with the aim of annotating transposable elements (TEs) and determining to what extent do TEs contribute to genetic variation and population divergence and investigate changes in DNA methylation patterns across the genome of Populus tremuloides.
Start date: Summer or fall 2024
Location and directorate
The student will be based at the Institut de recherche sur les forêts (IRF) in the RouynNoranda campus of the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue à Rouyn-Noranda (UQAT). The student will be a member of the Center for Forest Research (CFR). IRF is a dynamic team which provides an excellent environment for graduate students. Rouyn-Noranda is a culturally active town that offers a good quality of life through its tourist attractions, closeness to nature and numerous outdoor activities. The student will be supervised by Mebarek Lamara (UQAT, Canada) and Stéphane Maury (University of Orléans, France).
Financial support: A scholarship of 23 000 $ per year for 3 years is provided.
Required profile
A good or excellent academic record, bioinformatics skills (or interest), teamwork capacity, interest in plant genetics.
The applicant must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in genomics, bioinformatics, plant genetics, or a related discipline.
A good or excellent academic record.
Basic knowledge of a scripting language is required.
Experience with using supercomputer clusters is a distinct advantage.
The candidate must be able to work independently and interactively in a team setting.
Experience from relevant research projects will be considered as positive.
To apply:
Interested candidates should send by e-mail 1) a CV, 2) a cover letter describing your research interests and experience related to the project 3) most recent transcripts 4) names of three referees to Mebarek Lamara (mebarek.lamara@uqat.ca) and Stéphane Maury (stephane.maury@univ-orleans.fr).
Closing date: Interested candidates must send their application before April 30th 2024.
