PhD: Flower color evolution in irises

The Sapir Lab at Tel Aviv University, Israel, is looking to hire a PhD student to join an ISF-funded project on the evolution of flower color in the irises of section Oncocyclus. Research in the lab encompasses plant ecology, conservation, molecular ecology and some crazy ideas about plant-pollinator interactions. Our questions are centered on understanding ecological determinants of floral trait evolution and identifying the mechanisms that underlie changes in floral traits (see lab research page).

The study focuses on the highly color-diverse irises in the Middle-East. These plants are also distinctive is the extreme dark colors of the flowers, shown to be associated with heat reward to the pollinators (See Sapir et al., 2005, 2006). This project builds on previous studies, suggesting that dark-colored flowers are favored by the pollinators of the irises (Sapir et al., 2006), while other study (Lavi & Sapir, 2015) showed no pollinator-mediated selection on flower color in two species. In order to solve this puzzling contradiction, the research will employ a series of tests, from determining the genetic and molecular basis of color phenotypes to the fitness consequences in natural populations.

The PhD student will be responsible on the linking of genotype (and molecular) variation with color diversity, and to develop a genetic system to study the genomic architecture of flower traits relevant to pollination. The project includes the identification of genes underlying anthocyanin pigment synthesis, verification of their biochemical activity and measure their expression in natural population. this will enable to connect the molecular level with ecological effects, to understand the evolutionary process governing color evolution in flowers. Until now, this was done in model plants with discrete color morphs (Petunia, Mimulus...). This project will be the first to use CONTINUOUS flower color, which gets to extreme dark (black) flowers. The challenge in working with non-model plant is rewarding!

Qualified candidates will have Masters (or equivalent) degree in biology or related disciplines. Experience in molecular biology/plant biochemistry is a prerequisite. To apply for the positions, please send a brief letter of interest (1-2 paragraphs), a CV, and the names and contact information for two references to Dr. Yuval Sapir, sapiry{at}post.tau.ac.il. The position is available for 3 years, starting fall semester 2017.