The main function of HLA class I molecules is to present pathogen-derived peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This function is assumed to drive the maintenance of an extraordinary amount of polymorphism at each HLA locus, providing an immune advantage to heterozygote individuals capable to present larger repertories of peptides than homozygotes.
UNIGE researchers have demonstrated that every population can protect itself against a broad range of viruses thanks to the two most diverse HLA immune genes in humans.
Des perles de verre fabriquées autrefois se sont révélées très précieuses pour les scientifiques dʹaujourdʹhui. Grâce elles, des chercheurs suisses ont pu démontrer que lʹAfrique subsaharienne du Moyen Âge n'était pas isolée du reste du monde mais intégrée à un grand réseau commercial impliquant lʹAsie et lʹEurope.
L’analyse de perles en verre archéologiques découvertes en Afrique de l’Ouest subsaharienne révèle toute l’étendue des voies commerciales internationales de cette région entre le 7e et le 13e siècle.
Dans 100 ans, les chats sauvages du Jura auront été génétiquement "avalés" par les chats domestiques. Cʹest ce que révèle une étude menée par les universités de Genève, Zurich et Oxford.
Les détails avec Mathias Currat, maître dʹenseignement et de recherche au Département de génétique et évolution de l'Université de Genève (Unige), interrogé par Sarah Dirren.
A dramatic increase in the hybridization between historically allopatric species has been induced by human activities. Our article proposes a novel view of conservation guidelines, in which human-induced hybridization may also be a tool to enhance the likelihood of adaptation to changing environmental conditions or to increase the genetic diversity of taxa affected by inbreeding depression.
Certaines populations du globe disposent dʹun système immunitaire plus adapté que dʹautres pour faire face au SARS-CoV-2. C'est le résultat d'une étude réalisée en partie par lʹUnité dʹanthropologie de lʹUniversité de Genève (Unige). Les explications d'Alicia Sanchez-Mazas, généticienne des populations à l'Unige, interrogée par Sarah Dirren.
A PhD position in molecular population genetics is available at the Anthropology Unit of the Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland, under the supervision of Professor Alicia Sanchez-Mazas.
The project will consist in the analysis of DNA sequence data of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes in African populations. The main aim is to investigate the molecular diversity and evolution of these immune genes in Africa within an evolutionary framework taking into account demographic history and selective pressures.
We are seeking a highly motivated person with a strong interest in human evolution, population genetics and genomics, immunogenetics and anthropology.
Requirements :
Master degree in biology or equivalent;
Skills in population genetics and bioinformatics;
English speaking, reading and writing;
Collaboration and communication abilities;
Previous experience in DNA sequence data analysis is a plus; French speaking is not mandatory but is an asset
Terms of employment :
Duration: 4 years, provided that the first year is successful (trial period).
Start: the position is available from 1st May 2020 or by arrangement.
The PhD student will participate to the teaching and other activities of the laboratory.
About the Anthropology Unit :
The Anthropology Unit of the Department of Genetics and Evolution at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, offers a very stimulating scientific environment with several independent groups of research, international collaborations and excellent computer resources. It is located in the Science campus in the heart of the city of Geneva. Both English and French are the working languages in the Lab. More details about the Anthropology Unit and the Department of Genetics and Evolution may be found on their respective websites.
How to apply :
Applications should be sent as a single pdf file by email to Professor Alicia Sanchez-Mazas (alicia.sanchez-mazas@unige.ch) by February 14th, 2020. It should include:
cover letter;
a detailed CV;
at least two letters of recommendation, copies of secondary and university diplomas, and an attestation of B1 competency level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in the English language.
