Researcher in Conservation Genomics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A position as a researcher in Conservation Genomics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se.

Project description The aim of the project is to investigate to what extent three grouse species, ptarmigan (Lagopus muta), willow grouse (L. lagopus lagopus) and its subspecies red grouse (L. l. scotica) have been affected by climate change at the genomic level and predict the future of local populations during scenarios from global climate change models. These species are sedentary, ie. they do not have large-scale seasonal migrations, are therefore ideal to study in the aggregate as they are bird species adapted to arctic and subarctic environments. Such environments have been most affected by global climate change and the impact is expected to be greatest in the future. In addition, they show differences in specialization to cope with extreme Arctic environments. Ptarmigan has a circumpolar distribution at extreme northern latitudes or high altitudes in mountainous areas, while willow / red grouse are found in more subarctic environments. Both species are found in the same taxonomic family (Phasianidae) as the most important genome model bird species: chicken / red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). Since chromosome structure is preserved in different birds, the chromosome structure is similar. We can therefore utilize the chicken's extensive genomic resources to draw conclusions and identify the genes involved in genomic adaptation in these closely related rip species. In addition, the species' contrasting habitat requirements and documented genetic structure enable a general insight into how species can withstand global warming in the Arctic. The project also includes genomic analyzes of amphibian populations.

Duties: Compilation and collection of tissue samples. Extraction of DNA from various tissues. Preparation of DNA libraries. Contacts with SciLife Lab for different sequencing strategies. Bioinformatic analyzes.

Qualifications required: A doctoral degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree, in Animal ecology. In ranking eligible candidates special importance will be given to scientific skills. In the assessment of scientific merits, especially, ability to perform bioinformatic analyzes and interpret the results in an ecological perspective will be highly valued. Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English.

We attach great importance to personal qualifications, such as the ability to work independently and to work carfully and structured.

Qualifications desired: Experience in genomic analyzes of grouse and amphibians.

Position: The position is a temporary position until 2021-03-01 on 100%.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: As agreed.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and why you want this position, 2) a short description of your education, and 3) a CV.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Jacob Höglund, jacob.hoglund@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 26 71.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-10-14, UFV-PA 2019/3072.