Post-doctoral Position in Bioinformatics for Ecological Genomics at the Department of Zoology. Reference number SU FV-0851-13. Deadline for applications: April 8, 2013.
The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University consists of five divisions: ecology, ethology, functional zoomorphology and systematics & evolution. The advertised position will be part of the Division of Population Genetics, but within a cross-disciplinary research project in close collaboration with the other divisions and with other researchers, nationally and internationally. Presently the department accommodates 45–50 staff and about the same number of PhD students.
Subject
We are seeking a post-doc in bioinformatics for ecological genomics to work on ecological genomics and proteomics primarily in the research project”Insect life cycle genomics and adaptation in the wild”, with financial support from the Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the Swedish Research Council. The project is an Ecological and Evolutionary Functional Genomics (EEFG) collaboration, bringing together researchers with expertise in population genetics, ecology, ethology, morphology, immunology and molecular genetics with the aim to attack fundamental biological questions regarding how genes interact to produce a whole organism with a life cycle that is adapted to local environmental conditions. The central idea of the project is to take on these difficult questions by means of an integrative, crossdisciplinary approach, with a close interaction between research on two insect systems: the green-veined white butterfly Pieris napi and the fruit fly Drosophila. The research group is an internationally recognized leader in butterfly ecological research, with long history of study on P. napi, The research collaboration also includes expertise on Drosophila as a model system. Our goal is to use genomic tools to study P. napi populations adapted to different ecological situations, and when we find genes that are candidates for being involved in such adaptation we will study their effects in the Drosophila system. We will initially target three phenotypes: diapause, wing pattern and immunity. We will make use of existing genomics and bioinformatics platforms at e.g. SciLifeLab for next generation sequencing, RNA-Seq and other high-throughput services. The advertised position will be focused upon the analysis of such data, involving direction interaction with the SciLifeLab and other genomic core facilities and bioinformatics centers. The holder of the position will also contribute to other related projects utilizing genomic tools in the department, such as Ekoklim (www.zoologi.su.se/ekoklim).
Specific bioinformatics projects include the sequencing and assembly of the P. napi genome, followed by extensive re-sequencing studies, and RNA-Seq (transcritpome assembly, annotation, and quantitiative gene expression) analyses. Given the abundance of data to be generated, there will be many opportunities for independent projects. Such work is strongly encouraged as a means of generating independent projects where the post-doc would be able to have a clear primary authorship role.
Qualification requirements
A suitable background is a PhD in bioinformatics, population genetics, ecological genetics, evolutionary biology or similar subjects, including experience of bioinformatics in connection with ecological or evolutionary genomics.
For a post-doctoral position the candidate must have received a PhD degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline, unless there are special circumstances such as illness, parental leave, union duties or similar. In the case of exceptionally well merited more senior applicants we will however also consider employment in another form.
Grounds for assessment
Applications will be judged particularly on the grounds of scientific rigorousness, empirical and theoretical experiences, and how well the applicant can be integrated in the planned project.
Well documented abilities to write scientific text in English is an important qualification.
Terms of employment
This is a full time position for 24 months. Start date as soon as possible and as agreed.
Stockholm University strives to be a work place that is free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact information
Further information on the position can be obtained from Dr. Chris Wheat (host for the position), chris.wheat@zoologi.su.se, telephone +46-(0)8-16 4020, or Professor Sören Nylin (Project Leader, Head of Department),soren.nylin@zoologi.su.se.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8-16 2000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.
Application
The application shall include:
- CV list of achievements with the list of publications,
- copy of the PhD certificate,
- an application letter that describes the candidates qualifications, relevant experience and interest in the position, and
- contact information for references.
Please send your application, marked with the reference number
SU FV-0851-13, by April 8, 2013, at the latest by e-mail to:registrator@su.se.
Electronic applications should be in Word or PDF format.
NOTE! State the reference number SU FV-0851-13 in the subject line.
Application Deadline : 18 April 2013
