We study the evolutionary genetics of sex, death, and disease

 

SEX DIFFERENCES

Sex differences in the intensity of infection are universal. One sex is often described as the “sicker sex”, with females typically more susceptible to infection in invertebrates, versus males in mammals and birds. We aim to understand how such differences have evolved and the consequences they have for the epidemiology and evolution of disease.

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INVASION BIOLOGY

The edge of an invading population coincides with low population density and high resource availability. These altered conditions cause rapid evolution, leading to modified dispersal and in the case of a pathogen, altered virulence. We are exploring infectious disease in light of the altered demographic dynamics that occur in vanguard populations.

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GLOBAL CHANGE

Global change has been linked to the increased occurrence of diseases, but any change in the severity or occurrence of disease will depend on the form of climate change and specifics of the host-pathogen system. We seek to identity the condition that lead to pathogens or hosts becoming evolutionary winners or losers under various types of environmental change.

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Recent news

News

We are looking for a post-doc with interests in the evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions. Work across projects linking sex-specific adaptation, global change biology, or invasion biology as per http://lab.mattdhall.com/publications. A doctoral qualification in empirical ecology, evolutionary biology or a closely related field, an excellent track record of referred research publications in high impact journals and experience in empirical research using cutting-edge quantitative approaches is required. See details at:

https://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/623002/research-fellow

We, The Evolutionary Ecology and Infectious Disease Research Group, are seeking a Research Assistant to assist with the research services to support the operations of the group and delivery of evolutionary and ecological research program outcomes. A degree in ecology or evolutionary biology with subsequent relevant experience with laboratory research, as well as experience with invertebrate and algae stock maintenance, molecular skills, and laboratory and field-work is required. Unlike the post-doc advert, this role is limited to Australian or New Zealand residents with an Honours or Masters degree. Start date is as soon as possible.

See details at: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/513/cw/en/job/623003/research-officer

Multiple fully-funded PhD positions are available to work in our group on themes broadly related to evolutionary ecology and health. Using species of Daphnia and their associated pathogens as powerful experimental model, the successful candidates will work closely with Matt and his collaborators to develop projects that explore how global change and infectious disease interact to influence population persistence; the role of males and females in the evolution of pathogen virulence; and, how invasion fronts can accelerate or hamper the spread of infectious disease (or suggest another).

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