Postdoctoral position in… - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Postdoctoral position in marine sponge systematics, with focus on North East Atlantic species

Project description
The project SponBIODIV is an EU-funded international consortium aimed at establishing diversity and distribution baseline knowledge and deliver tools to improve management and conservation of sponges across the Atlantic and Mediterranean, at the levels of genes, species, and habitats. The project is anchored on the establishment of a trans-European and pan-Atlantic network of research organizations that will engage with key stakeholders to support evidence-based policies for management, conservation, and restoration of marine biodiversity, from coastal areas to deep-sea ecosystems. One of the SponBIODIV aims at Uppsala University is to identify hotspots of bio- and phylodiversity in European waters, focusing on several case study areas, one of which is the Norwegian coast. The postdoc will study recent and museum collections housed at the Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, to identify specimens and produce DNA barcodes (28S, COI, other markers) to enrich our species databases. The phylogenetic relationships of some of these taxa will be investigated, in search for cryptic species and revision of the demosponge classification. If new species are discovered, they will need to be described.

Duties
The applicant is expected to drive the morphological studies (skeleton preparations and measurements, scanning electron microscope imagery), along with phylogenetic analyses and barcoding of the specimens. Duties include sorting of sponge collections, identifications to the species level, and molecular biology work in the laboratory. The duties also include literature searches as well as oral presentations and writing/editing of scientific papers.

Requirements
PhD degree in sponge systematics, or similar or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree The candidate may be in the position of finishing the PhD degree at the time of the application, but the PhD thesis must be at least submitted. The project requires extensive knowledge on sponge taxonomy and morphology, as well as good knowledge of the scanning electron microscope.

Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years or less 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 labour unions, etc.

The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and to have a strong interest in sponge taxonomy, deep-sea ecology and DNA barcoding. In addition, the candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. The position is in an international context so good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability such as; analytical and organizational skills, personal maturity, ability to work with others, take initiatives, and to show good judgement. 

Additional qualifications
Documented knowledge relating to marine ecology or marine conservation is meriting. Deep-sea fieldwork experience is also an advantage.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Docent Paco Cárdenas, paco.cardenas@em.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 19th of april 2024, UFV-PA 2024/1167.

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