Researcher in avian malaria - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A position as a researcher in avian malaria 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: Vector borne diseases are a major threat to human, domesticated and wildlife populations. Many vectors are bloodsucking insects that rely on olfactory cues for finding their meal. These olfactory cues can be manipulated by the pathogen to ensure transmission. We will use avian malaria to study the chemical ecology of vector borne pathogen transmission. First, we will investigate how particular malaria strains and the birds’ MHC genes determine odour profiles. Second, we will use a combination of blood-feeding behavioural tests and RNAseq to reveal the genetic basis to variation in vector responses to host odour profiles. We predict that specific avian malaria strains affect their vectors such that they avoid hosts with MHC genes that would allow the host to defend themselves. Our results will also lead to predictions of specific combinations of genotype frequencies of hosts, pathogens and vectors that promote pathogen transfer resulting in more infected individuals in the population.These predictions will be tested using data from geographically separated populations. We also predict that the pathogen strains that are most efficiently transmitted between hosts also are the most virulent ones. Our findings will be relevant in the general context of predicting and preventing the spread of vector borne pathogens. Our results will in particular contribute to improved general guidelines for predictions of the likelihood and consequences of pathogen range expansion.

Duties: Analyze and publish already available data, perform experiments in the field and contribute to the future development of the project. 

Qualifications required: A doctoral degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree, in ecology and/or evolution. Previous experiences with analyses of genomic data are required. Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English. In ranking eligible candidates special importance will be given to scientific skills.

Qualifications desired: Earlier experiences of field work on birds are desired.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and why you want this position, 2) your CV, 3) a short description of your education, 4) a copy of your doctoral degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.), 6) a copy of your master thesis and 7) publications produced. The application should be written in English.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 2020-01-01, or as agreed.

Type of employment: The position is a temporary position until 2020-12-31.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor, Anna Qvarnström, anna.qvarnstrom@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 64 06.

Please submit your application by 13 December 2019, UFV-PA 2019/3840.