Doctoral candidate in the Cryptogamic Laboratory (Plant Systematics and Biodiversity, Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva - CJBG) in the Department of Botany and Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, Geneva University
Job description: The present project is focused on one of the most neglected groups of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa), the family Cribrariaceae. The generic and species boundaries, as well as the evolution of phenotypic traits, have never been analyzed in detail, and especially not in a phylogenetic context and with modern techniques. The monophyly of the group and currently accepted genera needs first to be tested using a fair taxonomic sampling, under a multilocus aproach. We will next explore the evolution of some phenotypic traits (notably, the sporophore macromorphology and the spore ornamentation, but also other characters) and the ecology of the species, to assess its relevance for the taxonomy and diversification of the group. Finally, we will address the species-level taxonomy, identify new species and cryptic taxa, and evaluate synonymies. With all this information, we expect to propose a revised classification and an updated monograph of the family. Most of the skills and data analyses learned upon completion of the project will be applicable not only to the study of Myxomycetes, but also to the systematics and taxonomy of other biological groups.
