Postdoctoral position in eco-evolution of microbial eukaryotes - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

The position is in the group of Dr. Fabien Burki in the Systematic Biology program at the department of Organismal Biology (https://www.burki-lab.net/).

Project description. How have eukaryotes diversified over geological time and across large geographic regions? In this project, we aim to look at this broad and important question by combining aspects of macroevolution and macroecology to better understand patterns of microbial eukaryote diversity and the processes that led to this diversity. The focus organisms are microbial eukaryotes (protists), which represent the vast bulk of eukaryotic diversity in all environments.

In the last decade, the study of protist diversity and distribution has been dramatically improved by high-throughput metabarcoding. We have recently developed an approach that makes use of long-read sequencing (PacBio) to generate much longer environmental sequences than usual (Jamy et al. 2019. Long‐read metabarcoding of the eukaryotic rDNA operon to phylogenetically and taxonomically resolve environmental diversity. Mol Ecol Resour). This approach offers the key advantage to improve the phylogenetic resolution of environmental diversity, thus allowing to efficiently address evolutionary and ecological questions especially when combined to the much wider breadth of short-read data already available. In this project, we will analyse a large dataset of long environmental reads that we have generated from a wide array of environments (marine and lake environments, tropical and boreal soils, bogs, etc).

Duties: Most of the work will be bioinformatic in nature since the main datasets are either already available or will be at the start of the position. Thus, the main duties are to perform bioinformatic analyses within the broad framework of this project, compile and disseminate the results orally and in writing in scientific publications. Importantly, while the general framework is defined, we encourage participation and independence of the position’s holder to develop specific lines of inquiry in consultation with the supervisor. Training of junior group members might also be involved, as well as other standard tasks related to a research group.

Requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Biology or equivalent. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Highly motivated, enthusiastic and hard-working individual with strong academic proficiency within the fields of microbial eukaryote evolution and/or ecology. We are looking for a candidate with an open-minded, cooperative attitude, who can work both independently and in a team. Documented experience in analysis of high-throughput metabarcoding datasets of environmental DNA and phylogenetics is required. Experience with biogeographical approaches and phylogeography is desired, as well as experience with Bayesian methods for character evolution. You should be proficient on the command line and with an advanced knowledge of at least one scripting language and R. Fluent in English both in spoken and written.  

Additional qualifications: Although this position is centered around bioinformatic methods, visualisation techniques of environmental diversity might be desirable. Thus, experience with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) methods will be seen as an asset.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 01-06-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Fabien Burki, phone number +46 18 471 2779, email fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 10 April 2020, UFV-PA 2020/901.

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