Postdoctoral researcher/ fellow in molecular ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A position as a postdoctoral researcher/fellow in molecular ecology is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, at the Animal Ecology 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 ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.

We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher/fellow in Molecular Ecology in to the program Animal Ecology.

Project description
We are hiring a postdoctoral researcher for the project” Does biological mosquito control (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensi:s: Bti) affect terrestrial food web structure? The aim of the project is to use a food web-based approach to evaluate how species not directly affected by Bti are indirectly affected by Bti-induced changes of abundance in target species. In a 3-4 chain natural ecosystem we will use DNA metabarcoding to obtain information of resource availability of invertebrates and diet of meso- and top predators. Our study system is a wetland area in central Sweden, where Bti has been applied since 2002. The data set collected will be analyzed with advanced multivariate statistics.

Duties
You will apply molecular methods as well as statistical methods to analyze and summarize data on invertebrate abundance and diversity in the field (collected in traps) and from fecal samples in vertebrates (birds and bats). The molecular work consists of DNA extraction from readily collected samples, preparation of DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing, and analysing raw sequencing output. The statistical work consists of applying of several multivariate statistical methods.

Qualifications required
Ph.D. degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree in the area of evolutionary ecology, ecological genetics, molecular ecology or a similar field of knowledge. Documented experience of working with molecular genetic methods and multivariate statistics is a requirement.

The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.

Vast experience with molecular and DNA metabarcoding methods as well as bioinformatics (Linux/UNIX and R) is a requirement for the position, and candidates with advanced knowledge on multivariate statistics will be given priority.

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as excellent collaboration skills and sense of initiative. Candidates must be able to express themselves in spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired
We are looking for a very independent and skilled person to drive the project forward. The ideal candidate will be a team player who has demonstrated experience in the desired duties as well as proven proficiency in writing and publishing in English in scholarly journals

About the employment
Temporary position for 24 months, with a possibility to an extension up to a maximum of 36 months, according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2024-06-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

For further information about the position, please contact
Professor, Frank Johansson, frank.johansson@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 64 88.

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, and why you want the position, 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your Ph.D. degree and your transcripts, along with a copy of your doctoral thesis, 5) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), 6) relevant publications. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than January 31, 2024. UFV-PA 2023/4065.

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