Considering animals most people think about vertebrates and thereby especially mammals and birds. These are often considered the most sophisticated and evolutionary successful animals on earth. However, this is not true taking into account evolutionary history, biodiversity, ecology or biomass. Invertebrates outshine vertebrates in all these categories. Moreover, invertebrates have evolved novel structures and inhabited habitats unoccupied by vertebrates. Hence, invertebrates have much to teach us about evolution in general and in particular. On the other hand, except for a few flagship species or groups invertebrates are heavily understudied, especially considering marine invertebrates. The latter are especially important as all animal live depends on water and originated from the marine realm. Hence, understanding the evolution of marine invertebrates will help us to understand evolution at much more detailed and complete level.
The topics of these Master projects will be part of the RCN-project “InvertOmics - Phylogeny and evolution of lophotrochozoan invertebrates based on genomic data”. The main aim of the project itself is to unravel the phylogeny and evolution of Lophotrochozoa, one of the major animal groups comprising half of all animal phyla. To accomplish this aim one goal of InvertOmics is to generate new high-quality genomes for 50 lophotrochozoan species covering all 16 lophotrochozoan phyla as in contrast to vertebrates and arthropods genomes are substantially lacking for this. With this project, we will also contribute to global initiatives like the Earth BioGenome Project or the Biodiversity Genomics Europe project, in both projects we are partners as well. If you are interested in pursuing a career in genomics, this might be an opportunity for you. We are open to discuss possible topics using genomic data beyond phylogeny, which might include topics such as biomineralization, parasitism or
miniaturatization. Hence contact us and we can discuss possible Master projects in this part.
What you will learn: You will learn to use the tools and principles of comparative genomics and evolutionary biology. This will include, among others, sequencing techniques, genome assembly and annotation as well as bioinformatics, all of which are state-of-the-art techniques, relevant for both academic and non-academic positions. You will especially learn to work with new and sometimes challenging material, which is the future of genomic research. Depending on the specific topic, this might include phylogenetics or exploring the evolution of specific biochemical pathways.
What we offer: First and foremost, we offer a friendly and kind mentoring environment. We offer a membership in ForBio (the research school in biosystematics) where you will be able to take courses in several places in Norway. You will potentially be able to attend international courses if they fit with the objectives. You will be able to participate in a national conference (ForBio meeting) and potentially in an international conference depending on funding. If you are interested, we will be able to discuss travel opportunities and a travelling period abroad.
What we expect from you: Commitment and dedication.
Outcomes: One (or more) scientific publications, conference communication.
Supervision and teaching: You will be supervised by Torsten Struck, Lutz Bachmann, James Fleming, Alberto Valero-Gracia (all NHM Oslo) and/or Kevin Kocot (University of Alabama).
For further inquiries, please contact Torsten Struck (t.h.struck@nhm.uio.no).