Researcher in Functional Genetics of Adaptation

at the Department of Zoology , SciLifeLab. Closing date: 31 May 2024.

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure. In Stockholm, the SciLifeLab Campus Solna serves as an extra shared campus of Stockholm Trio (KI, KTH, SU) and is the only SciLifeLab site that co-localizes researchers from multiple universities under one roof. By working together Stockholm Trio has been able achieve a significant critical mass, which has made the research environment at SciLifeLab Campus Solna competitive with the strongest life science centers in the world. The research environment is characterized by a modern and advanced methodology and has a strong international profile. Read more about SciLifeLab here .
The Department of Zoology of Stockholm University includes about 80 employees, including Researchers, PhD students and administrative staff. Research and education at the department occurs in an international environment and is focused on animal biology. Outstanding and high impact research is conducted in broad fields, from genomics to ecosystems, nerve cells to behavior and evolution to conservation. Read more about the Department of Zoology here .

The position will be associated with Assoc. Prof. Mafalda Ferreira’s research group located at SciLifeLab (Solna) and the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University. The group focus on the dissecting the molecular mechanism of seasonal camouflage in bird and mammal systems. Projects focus on understanding the molecular underpinings of seasonal coat color changing molts involving an alternation between white winter coats or plumage and brown summer coats or plumage. In particular, projects focus on understanding gene expression and epigenetic changes underlying seasonal color change, and validation the function of genes linked with the evolution of alternative winter coloration.

The researcher will be responsible for functional validation of mutations linked to variation in winter color in species of the genus Lepus and Lagopus using functional genetics and celular molecular techniques. She/he will also be responsible for producing and analyzing whole-genome, whole-transcriptome and epigenetic data for population and evolutionary studies to understand the genetic basis of flexible color change in the afformentioned species. The researcher will also be expected to help in setting up laboratory protocols and procedures, project management and instructing students.

Researchers are appointed primarily for purposes of research and must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills in applying cellular molecular techniques to validate the functional impact of mutations linked to phenotypic variation. 

• A doctoral degree in the relevant fields of animal genetics, functional genetics, evolutionary genetics or related fields
• Experience in planning, managing and execution of research projects in the relevant fields
• Experience in preparing DNA, RNA and Proteins and performing downstream experiments, including PCR, qRT-PCR, Taqman assay, protein expression, and Immunochemical methods
• Experience with gene editing technology, including cell culture, transfection and western blotting
• Experience in generating genomic libraries, including whole-genome, transcriptome and epigenome
• Experience with handling vertebrate tissues (internal organs, skin and skin appendages such as skin and hair), preferably mammalian and bird tissues from non-model species
• Experience in analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data using Linux-based environments and R statistical programming
• Ability to work in a collaborative team in an international research environment
• Strong knowledge of English, both orally and in writing
• Experience as lead-author on multiple scientific articles in the relevant fields.

Of interest:

• Experience with functional validation of causal mutations and their effects on phenotypes, including pigmentation traits, in mammals and birds
• Knowledge of the melanogenesis synthesis pathway in mammals and birds
• Knowledge of seasonal pathways, including circadian clock, melanin and thyroid synthesis pathway in mammals and birds
• Postdoctoral experience.

The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of 12 months. Start date is as soon as possible.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Further information about the position can be obtained from the the project leader, Assoc. Prof. Mafalda Sousa Ferreira, [email protected] .

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected]  (SEKO).

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

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