Topic: Estimating the recent evolutionary history of a population using temporal genomic data
Dates: 1 November 2024 – 31 October 2027
CBGP supervisors: S. Boitard and M. de Navascués

The management of populations of interest (domesticated animals and plants, invasive species, pests, threatened species, etc.) requires a detailed understanding of the genetic and demographic status of these populations. Genetic polymorphism data represent a major source of information in this context, but the resulting estimates often relate to large spatial and temporal scales of limited practical relevance. These limitations can be overcome by using genomic data sampled across different generations, which allow recent changes in genetic diversity to be tracked.

The aim of the PhD thesis will be to develop and evaluate statistical methods that utilise time series of genomic data to characterise the recent demographic and adaptive history of populations. In particular, these methods will aim to (1) estimate parameters relating to population viability, such as effective population size or genetic burden, and (2) identify loci involved in populations’ adaptation to their environment. The methods and software developed during the PhD will be made freely available to the scientific community. The practical value of these methods will also be demonstrated through the study of several species in the fields of conservation and animal breeding, for which data are already available.