PhD position in the BERLiNiA project – Evolutionary ecology of tropical trees in the Berlinia clade
Employer : Liege University
Location : Gembloux, Belgium
Closing date : 01/09/2023
Context
How traits have evolved to allow species adaptation to new environmental conditions is a central question
in evolutionary ecology. It is of particular interest for tropical African trees which have had to adapt to drier
conditions over the last million years, certainly necessitating specific responses to tolerate and/or avoid
desiccation. The BERLiNiA project aims to explore the evolutionary history of drought tolerance/avoidance
traits in tropical trees within the hyperdiversified Berlinia clade endemic to Africa. The project relies on the
expertise in (phylo)genetics from ULB (Olivier Hardy) and functional ecology from ULiège (Adeline Fayolle
and Anais Gorel). The Berlinia clade (Fabaceae, 16 genera, c. 180 species) have been particularly successful
at diversifying and adapting in different biomes (moist forest and savanna) and being ecologically dominant.
Moreover, recent genomic data suggest that some genera (e.g. Brachystegia) might have evolved as
syngameons (species exchanging genes through hybridization while maintaining their identity), which could
have accelerated their evolution.
Your research
Your PhD project will focus on the functional ecology of the species in the Berlinia clade and specifically
drought tolerance/avoidance strategies. Based on a complete species-level phylogeny, you will identify
where and when biome shifts occurred, and the associated functional changes using available trait
information, and new trait measurements on herbarium/xylarium samples. You will also conduct field
campaigns in moist forest (Gabon) and savanna (site to be determined) to measure the hydraulic traits of
coexisting species of the Berlinia clade. You will then examine whether introgression between members of a
syngameon may have contributed to the ecological success of the Berlinia clade in tropical Africa. At local
scale, you will determine the links between microhabitat differentiation, functional traits (including
hydraulics) and level of hybridization/gene introgression. Microhabitats and traits will be determined during
field campaigns in Gabon on several trees per species, including hybrids.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a self-organized and solution-oriented work attitude.
Applicants should hold a MSc degree in bioengineering, biology, or related fields. The candidate should have
strong affinity with functional and evolutionary ecology, data analyses, but must also be prepared to carry
out fieldwork in difficult/remote conditions in Africa. The candidate should be able to independently learn
and conduct statistics involving phylogenies (in R or another programming language). The candidate must
also be able to express him/herself correctly in French in the field and to speak and write correctly in English.
We offer you
A fully funded PhD position for minimum 3 years (starting the 01/10/2023, one-year trial period) in a dynamic
research group including professors and other colleagues from ULB and UGent in Belgium and from several
institutes in Central Africa. You will join a supportive, collaborative and cooperative working environment.
You will have the opportunity to be integrated in established (inter)national research networks (dynafac,
CANOPi, SEOSAW). Salary and social benefits will be provided according to the rules of Liege University.
How to apply
Prepare a 1-page CV, a 1-page motivation letter, and the email of one contact person supporting your
application. Apply online and do not hesitate to contact adeline.fayolle@uliege.be and
AnaisPasiphae.Gorel@UGent.be for further information.
The BERLINIA project has been funded by the Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS) in Belgium