Job starting date July 1, 2020 or when filled 

The Plant Diversity and Genomics Group, headed by Prof. LI Dezhu, and the Plant Molecular Genetics and Adaptation Group, headed by Prof. HU Jinyong, at Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS/KIB), are aiming to reveal mechanisms of how regional diversity is generated and maintained in the biodiversity hotspot of the Mountains of Southwest China, and to dissect the genomic basis of how plants adapt to ever-changing environments by using up-to-date genomic and evolutionary tool kits.  

We are seeking two highly motivated and creative postdocs to join our dynamic research programs.  

Position 1 

We will use large amounts of DNA sequence data to reconstruct mega-phylogenies to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for generating high regional species richness in the Mountains of Southwest China and the spatial patterning of that species diversity, using molecular dating and fossil evidence to determine diversification rates and the temporal origin of this species-rich flora.  

Ecological niche modeling and paleo-climate data will be used to reconstruct temporal and distributional shifts of species diversity, with the collective aim of increasing our understanding of the diversification, maintenance, and future trajectories of regional diversity.  

The successful candidate will play a leading role in a dynamic group, direct the assembly and analyses of datasets, and draft synthetic manuscript(s) on biodiversity patterns and mechanisms underlying diversification.  

The project is based on the accumulation of genome skimming data of some 7–8K species of vascular plants from the study area, and pipelines of plastid genome and rDNA sequence assembly have been fully established. 

Position 2 

Brassicaceae are an important family of plants that grow in a wide diversity of habitats, ranging in altitude from sea-level to over 5000 meters and in rainfall from highly mesic sites to desert. Underlying this ecological diversity is a remarkably plasticity and propensity for adaption to different environmental conditions.  

The successful candidate will use evolutionary genomic approaches to understand the mechanisms of genome evolution and adaptation to environments with extreme desiccation.  

(S)he will investigate whole-genome-duplications and the contraction/expansion of transposable elements in Brassicaceae genomes and examine the relationship of these genomic changes with the species’ ecological contexts. (S)he is expected to study the evolution of gene-regulatory networks related to key traits.  

The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with PhD and master’s students in the groups to test the functional significance of these genetic and genomic variations via molecular and biochemical methods as well as mathematic modeling approaches while developing ideas about the role of genomic evolution in speciation and rapid ecological radiation.  

For these projects, we have already generated high-quality genome assemblies for founder species and collected necessary genetic materials. 

Potential candidates should have a PhD (obtained no later than June 30, 2020) in biodiversity genomics and/or molecular genetics of plants or related fields with solid skills and strong interests in genomics and evolution analysis.  

The successful candidates need to have a proven scientific track record (minimum of one first-author publication in a high-ranking journal in a relevant field to the project). Strong collaborative skills and proficiency in English speaking and writing are necessary for both positions. 

KIB and the research groups will offer a basic annual salary of about 150,000 RMB Yuan (before tax; average annual income in Kunming is about 70,000 Yuan). In addition, we will facilitate the applicants to apply for additional funding resources from PIFI program of CAS, and/or the international fellowship project for researches in China. The successful applicant of either program will be paid additionally, up to an annual salary of ~400,000 RMB Yuan.  

These positions will be for two years, but it may be possible to extend the position for one additional year based on performance and mutual agreement.  

The candidates may be promoted to assistant/associate professor positions after the two-year starting period contingent upon satisfactory performance.  

For more information on the projects or applying, please send your cv with a statement of interest and description of prior research with contact information of three referees to: Prof. LI Dezhu (dzl@mail.kib.ac.cn) (position 1) and Prof. HU Jinyong (hujinyong@mail.kib.ac.cn) (position 2).