Experimental evolution of local adaptation and speciation

Why are there so many species? Part of the answer lies in the process of speciation. What makes speciation more likely in some circumstances than others?
Local adaptation occurs when divergent natural selection is strong enough to overcome gene flow. Speciation may follow if the barrier to gene flow is coupled with other forms of a barrier but this progression towards complete reproductive isolation (RI) is poorly understood. It is difficult to infer from field studies and so there is a need for experimental approaches. Theory suggests that divergent selection on multiple traits is more likely to lead to the evolution of strong barriers to gene flow than is strong selection on a single trait, especially if it has a simple genetic basis. Classic experiments support this idea but were not followed up with genomic analysis. Studies of natural systems are also consistent with the theory but they are snapshots of a process, with many unknown parameters.
You will use a powerful model system, not previously used in speciation research, to tackle this fundamental problem in the origin of biodiversity and the genetic basis of evolutionary change. You will conduct experimental evolution (EE) in divergent habitats connected by gene flow using rotifers, Brachionus plicatilis. Treatments will contrast unidimensional selection with a multidimensional selection of the same overall strength. You will follow the response to selection in terms of the evolution of local adaptation and the evolution of RI. The, you will re-sequence the genomes of EE lines to test predicted differences in the genetic architecture of differentiation according to selection treatment.
To undertake this demanding project you will need a commitment to evolutionary ecology research, a strong work ethic, and excellent organizational abilities. Good laboratory skills, a foundation in evolutionary genetics and an ability to handle large data sets will all help, but these skills can also be developed in the course of the project.
This project is part of a new collaboration. The supervisory team includes a wide range of expertise in speciation biology, experimental evolution, aquatic mesocosms and evolutionary genetics. External collaborators have specialist expertise with rotifers.