Researcher in experimental evolutionary biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A position as a researcher in experimental evolutionary biology 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.

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Project description
The role of phenotypic plasticity and non-genetic inheritance for adaptive evolution is debated. While plasticity can enable survival in a novel environment, it may also buffer against evolutionary change. Moreover, the degree of plasticity can itself evolve. You will investigate the role of plasticity and non-genetic inheritance for adaptation to new environments, the evolution of plasticity itself, and its genetic background. The project has access to populations of the nematode Caenorhabditis remanei, previously adapted to new stable or variable environments for 100+ generations, as well as the ancestral populations. The lab has access to RNAseq data, but not yet any phenotypic data.

Your role is to study the evolution of life-history traits, their plasticity and their genetic basis. You will perform phenotypic assays using available populations exposed to experimental evolution for 100+ generations. Thanks to the genetic similarity with the model organism C. elegans, you can also investigate the functional role of candidate genes (identified using RNAseq) by using genetic knockouts in C. elegans. If the lab obtains additional funding, there may be possibilities to also study the genome evolution.

Duties
The candidate will investigate evolution and local adaptation to new environments by phenotypic experiments in the nematode model systems C. remanei and C. elegans.

Qualifications required
A doctoral degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree, in evolutionary biology or a related field. Previous experience of phenotypic assays in experimental animal systems and is a requirement. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as collaborative and organizing skills. Candidates must be able to express themselves in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired
Previous experience of phenotypic assays in Caenorhabditis nematodes are highly desired. Experience of DNA extraction and competence in analysing NGS data from experimental evolution studies is strongly desirable.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position lasting for 12 months. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2023-04-17 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: Dr., Martin Lind, martin.lind@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 26 88.

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 copy of your doctoral degree and course grades, 4) the names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.) and 7) publications produced. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than March 16, 2023. UFV-PA 2023/860

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