Uppsala University, Department of Ecology and Genetics

A position as a postdoctoral researcher in Evolutionary Genomics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Program.

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.

Our lab is part of the Evolutionary Biology Program that excels in many aspects of genetics and evolution and offers an inspiring international atmosphere (https://www.ieg.uu.se/evolutionary-biology/). There are ample opportunities for interaction with other PostDocs, PhD-students and researchers working on related topics. We are tightly linked to the Science for Life Laboratory (https://www.scilifelab.se/) and have access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, high performance computing resources and long-term bioinformatics support.

Project description: Despite the importance of recombination in determining the faith of novel mutations and segregating alleles, our understanding of the mechanisms determining where in the genome recombination occurs, and the evolutionary consequences of regional variation in recombination rate, is limited to a small set of model organisms. The proposed project aim is therefore to characterize the fine-scale recombination landscape in wood white (Leptidea sp.) butterfly populations with dramatic karyotype variation. The data will be used to assess:

1) the conservation/turnover rate of the recombination landscape in holocentric organisms and if recombination is associated to any specific genomic features

2) the effect of regional recombination rate variation on maintenance/loss of genetic diversity

3) the effect of recombination on the evolutionary rates of sex chromosomes and autosomes when recombination is restricted to the male germline

4) the effect of chromosome fissions/fusions on the global recombination landscape and the adaptive potential of populations

Duties: Identification of recombination tracts using recently developed sequencing techniques; comparative genomics of recombination maps between species/populations with distinct karyotypes; large-scale population genomic analyses of available genome re-sequence data.

Qualifications required: For this position the candidate must hold a PhD degree in evolutionary biology, genetics/genomics, bioinformatics, or another relevant field. Experience in analyses of next-generation sequencing data is necessary, as is a background in population genetics/genomics. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as collaboration skills, ability to work independently, scientific maturity and creativity. Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English.

To be eligible the candidate must have a PhD degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to this, completed less than three years before the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Qualifications desired: The ideal candidate is highly motivated and enthusiastic about evolutionary biology and has a good understanding of population genetics and evolution theory. Thorough experience with scripting and programming is advantageous.

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: 2020-07-01, or as agreed upon.

Type of employment: Temporary full-time position for 24 months, according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100%.

Instructions for the application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to work as a postdoctoral researcher and why you are suitable for the position, 2) a CV 3) a short description of your education, 4) a copy of your PhD degree, your grades and a copy of your thesis, 5) name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.), 6) relevant publications. The application should be written in English.

For further information about the position please contact: Senior Lecturer, Niclas Backström, niclas.backstrom@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 64 15.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 10 April 2020.  UFV-PA 2020/800.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2020-07-01
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2020/800
Union representative
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 05.Mar.2020
Last application date 10.Apr.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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