University assistant predoctoral

Using the Latin American Melastomataceae tribe Pyxidantheae as model, it is the aim of this project to document macroevolutionary patterns of flower and fruit trait differentiation in an environmental context, and test the GPM as source of flower diversity through microevolutionary adaptations to locally variable pollinator communities. Pyxidantheae (ca. 200 spp.) is most diverse in Colombia and Costa Rica, and primarily bee pollinated, with two independent evolutionary shifts to vertebrate pollination in the Andes. Pyxidantheae flowers stick out among Melastomataceae by their strong and differentiated floral scents, and variation in androecial symmetry, possibly a mechanism of adaptation to different bee pollinators. This project combines extensive fieldwork in Latin America to improve our understanding of the natural history of the tribe, with comparative phylogenetic trait analyses, geometric morphometrics and chemical ecology. There is room for employing a population genomic approach in combination with field documentation of pollinators and dispersers to explore the relative contribution of different pollinator and fruit disperser assemblages in population differentiation. The successful applicant will be integrated into the Plant-Animal-Interactions lab at the University of Vienna.

Description:

Macroevolutionary comparative studies have demonstrated striking adaptations of flowers to distinct groups of animal pollinators, including differentiation in flower color, scent, rewards and morphology. The geographic pollinator mosaic (GPM) represents the quintessential theoretical framework for testing how these floral adaptations play out in an eco-environmental context. Specifically, the GPM proposes that across its range, a plant species encounters locally variable pollinator communities, and adapts to such variable communities through (often subtle) floral trait changes. Despite the central role of the GPM as source of floral differentiation and lineage divergence, to date, we lack comparative models on how variation in plant-pollinator interactions across geographic and environmental contexts plays out in macroevolutionary patterns of flower diversity. Besides pollination, fruit dispersal is the second central mechanism by which (most) land plants disperse their genes, and the variability of environment-fruit-dispersal associations across a species’ distribution range also remains unclear.

More information on the lab: www.agnesdellinger.org

The contract duration is three years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the contract will be automatically extended to three years unless the employer issues a non-extension notice within the first 12 months.

Your tasks:

Document pollinators and fruit dispersers for selected species of Pyxidantheae through extensive empirical fieldwork in Latin America (Costa Rica, Colombia);
Multivariate statistical analyses of an existing flower trait database of Pyxidantheae, expand this database by recording fruit traits and sampling and analyzing floral scent;
Depending on timing/interest, the project may include training in NGS wet lab and data analyses for population genomics in Pyxidantheae;
Participation in publication of results, presentation at conferences, and public outreach particularly in Spanish in the Latin American countries where the research is conducted;
If interested, possibility of co-advising MSc students.

Your profile:

• MSc degree or equivalent in botany, ecology, evolutionary biology;
• Experience with tropical fieldwork and identification of tropical plants, ideally Melastomataceae;
• Background in (flower) morphology/morphometrics and pollination/floral scent analyses advantageous;
• Knowledge in programming for ecological/evolutionary analyses, ideally in R or Python;
• Ability to communicate scientific research in both English and Spanish;
• Ability to work independently during fieldwork in Latin America;
• Interest in networking with Latin American researchers.

What we offer:

Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and the option to work partially remotely.
Inspiring Work Environment: Be part of an international team with excellent research infrastructure in a relaxed workplace atmosphere.
Good Public Transport Access: Your new workplace is easily accessible via public transport.
Internal Training and Coaching: Ongoing opportunities to expand and deepen your skills.
Fair Salary: A base salary of EUR 3,578.80 (full-time) with increases based on recognized professional experience.
Equal Opportunities for All: We welcome every unique personality to our team!

How to apply:

• Submit your scientific CV and letter of intent.
• Provide a summary of your research interests/dissertation concept (max. 3 pages).
• Include proof of your completed Master’s/Diploma degree.
• Apply via our job portal using the "Apply Now" button.

Contact: agnes.dellinger@univie.ac.at