Plant Systematics & Evolutionary Genomics (PSEG Lab)
Scientic Supervisor / Contact Person
Name and Surname
Pablo Muñoz-Rodríguez
ORCID (link)
Localization & Research Area
Faculty / Institute
Faculty of Biological Science
Department
Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution
Research Area
Life Sciences (LIF)
MSCA & ERC experience
Research group / research team hosted any MSCA fellow?
No
Research group / research team have any ERC beneficiaries?
No
Research Team & Research Topic
Research Team / Research Group Name (if any)
910801 - BTD - BOTÁNICA TAXONÓMICA Y DIVERSIDAD
Website of the Research team / Research Group / Department
Brief description of the Research Team / Research Group / Department
Our research group focuses on the systematics, evolution, and domestication of economically and ecologically significant plant groups, particularly within megadiverse genera such as Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae) and Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae). We integrate molecular phylogenetics, comparative genomics, herbarium-based research, and fieldwork to clarify species boundaries, assess biodiversity patterns, and investigate the evolutionary processes shaping plant domestication.
Our team is particularly interested in the role of taxonomic accuracy in ethnobotanical and experimental research, evaluating historical misidentifications and their impact on applied sciences. We maintain active collaborations with international herbaria, conservation organizations, and research institutions, providing a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary studies.
Our team is particularly interested in the role of taxonomic accuracy in ethnobotanical and experimental research, evaluating historical misidentifications and their impact on applied sciences. We maintain active collaborations with international herbaria, conservation organizations, and research institutions, providing a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary studies.
Research lines / projects proposed
We welcome postdoctoral researchers interested in plant systematics, evolutionary genomics, domestication studies, and ethnobotany, particularly those aiming to apply cutting-edge genomic tools and taxonomy to address fundamental and applied questions in plant biodiversity and human-plant interactions. Potential research lines include, but are not limited to:
- Phylogenetics and phylogenomics of tropical plant genera. Reconstructing evolutionary relationships and species boundaries using high-throughput sequencing approaches.
- Domestication and crop evolution. Investigating genetic, morphological, and ecological shifts associated with domestication and the evolution of crop and crop wild relatives.
- Herbarium-based genomics and historical DNA studies. Extracting and analyzing DNA from herbarium specimens to study genetic diversity over time, responses to environmental change, and domestication processes.
- Taxonomic accuracy in ethnobotanical and experimental research. Evaluating the frequency and impact of misidentified plant taxa in scientific studies and their implications for conservation and pharmacological research.
- Integrative approaches to species delimitation. Combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and detect cryptic diversity.
- Evolutionary and ecological drivers of biodiversity. Investigating how genetic, ecological, and biogeographic factors influence diversification, adaptation, and conservation status.
- Genomic and computational approaches in plant systematics. Applying bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and population genetics tools to study evolutionary processes and genome evolution.
Our research employs a combination of molecular, morphological and computational methodologies, using both herbarium material and field samples. Key approaches include high-throughput sequencing, Sanger sequencing, ancient and historical DNA analysis, comparative genomics, morphological and anatomical studies, database analyses, etc.
A detailed research project proposal will be developed collaboratively with the selected candidate to align with both their expertise and the objectives of the MSCA fellowship programme.
- Phylogenetics and phylogenomics of tropical plant genera. Reconstructing evolutionary relationships and species boundaries using high-throughput sequencing approaches.
- Domestication and crop evolution. Investigating genetic, morphological, and ecological shifts associated with domestication and the evolution of crop and crop wild relatives.
- Herbarium-based genomics and historical DNA studies. Extracting and analyzing DNA from herbarium specimens to study genetic diversity over time, responses to environmental change, and domestication processes.
- Taxonomic accuracy in ethnobotanical and experimental research. Evaluating the frequency and impact of misidentified plant taxa in scientific studies and their implications for conservation and pharmacological research.
- Integrative approaches to species delimitation. Combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and detect cryptic diversity.
- Evolutionary and ecological drivers of biodiversity. Investigating how genetic, ecological, and biogeographic factors influence diversification, adaptation, and conservation status.
- Genomic and computational approaches in plant systematics. Applying bioinformatics, comparative genomics, and population genetics tools to study evolutionary processes and genome evolution.
Our research employs a combination of molecular, morphological and computational methodologies, using both herbarium material and field samples. Key approaches include high-throughput sequencing, Sanger sequencing, ancient and historical DNA analysis, comparative genomics, morphological and anatomical studies, database analyses, etc.
A detailed research project proposal will be developed collaboratively with the selected candidate to align with both their expertise and the objectives of the MSCA fellowship programme.
Key words
Application requirements
Professional Experience & Documents
Researchers interested in applying for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship with our research group must submit the following documents for preliminary evaluation:
- Summarised Curriculum Vitae (CV) - A concise CV including research experience, most relevant publications (with DOI links if available), projects, and key skills related to plant systematics, evolution, genomics, domestication and/or ethnobotany. (Please note that expertise in all these fields is NOT required.)
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) – A statement outlining the applicant's research background and career trajectory, research interests, alignment with our research themes, and motivation for applying for an MSCA fellowship with our group.
- Summarised Curriculum Vitae (CV) - A concise CV including research experience, most relevant publications (with DOI links if available), projects, and key skills related to plant systematics, evolution, genomics, domestication and/or ethnobotany. (Please note that expertise in all these fields is NOT required.)
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) – A statement outlining the applicant's research background and career trajectory, research interests, alignment with our research themes, and motivation for applying for an MSCA fellowship with our group.
One Page Proposal
You can attach the 'One Page Proposal' to enhance the attractiveness of your application. Supervisors usually appreciate it. Please take into account your background and the information provided in Research Team & Research Topic section to fill in it.
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