Post-doctoral Research Associate (Fixed term)

A Research Associate position is available for a highly talented and motivated individual to work in The Scott Polar Research Institute, reporting to Prof Marc Macias-Fauria. Prof Macias-Fauria's research group has broad interests in understanding the coupling between physical and biological systems, with a focus on cold environments. Research conducted within the group spans the areas of spatial ecology, ecological interactions, vegetation resilience to climate change, and long-term ecology and biodiversity.

The successful candidate will conduct research that aims to identify the genetic basis for the shrub expansion in the tundra, observed in the last decades. The post holder will work with an already compiled pan-Arctic dwarf birch genetic dataset to identify adaptive genes which can shed light on which traits have facilitated the greatest responses of Arctic shrubs to climate warming. To this end, they will work within the genome-environment associations framework, studying the relationships between allele frequencies and environmental variables, potentially co-supervising an undergraduate intern working on this project. The Research Associate is expected to generate research ideas addressing emerging research questions in Arctic biogeography and phylogeography, as well as to engage in own research programmes in consultation with Prof Marc Macias-Fauria. They will have responsibility for the scientific outputs of the research group, including writing and contributing to scientific publications, as well as building internal and external contacts and participating in networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.

We are looking for a scientist with experience in Arctic biogeography and phylogeography, willing to engage in teamwork within a highly motivated research group, to generate impact within and beyond academia, and able to manage own workload. The successful candidate will have a PhD and demonstrated research and laboratory experience in phylogeography and genetic sequencing of plant specimens, including software linked to genome-environment research, experience in Unix parallel computing (shell scripting), and proficiency in R programming. The post holder with also demonstrate research experience in Arctic terrestrial ecology, with a focus on drivers of vegetation change.

The Scott Polar Research Institute was established in 1920 to encourage polar science and exploration. A unique feature of the Institute is that the range of expertise of its researchers includes and bridges the human and natural sciences. The Institute is comprised of a Museum, a Library, an Archive and Picture Library Collection, and undertakes world leading research in the polar sciences and humanities. The Institute offers an MPhil in Polar Studies and a three-year PhD programme. The role will be based at the Institute on Lensfield Road, Cambridge.

Please contact Chloe Weston ([email protected] ) with any enquiries.

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Please ensure that you upload a cover letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The cover letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 1st May 2024 The interview date for the role is: 15th May 2024

Please quote reference LD40846 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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