Postdoc in microbial eukaryote evolution

Published: 2022-10-31

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se . 

The position is placed in the research group of Fabien Burki (https://www.burki-lab.net/ ) within the Systematic Biology program at the Department of Organismal Biology (Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University). In the Burki lab, we study the broad diversity of eukaryotes, which is mainly microbial, to understand some of the main transitions in broad eukaryote evolution such as the origin of plastids.

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Project description
The Burki lab was recently awarded an ERC Consolidator grant (PlastidOrigin) that aims to study one of the most transformative events in eukaryote evolution–the origin of the photosynthetic organelles (the primary plastids) in Archaeplastida. The main aim of this postdoc position is to characterize novel protist diversity that diverged near the origin of Archaeplastida–the supergroup of eukaryotes where plastids were established more than 1.5 billion years ago. One of the main target environments for sampling will be microbialites. A suite of methods will be employed, including sampling microbialites, long-read metabarcoding, cultivation, microscopy, single-cell transcriptomics, metagenomics, phylogenomics.

Duties
The position involves sampling (in particular abroad), lab work, and bioinformatics. Lab work may include: cell isolation, imaging with advanced microscopy, cell-sorting, attempts for cultivation of interesting cells in enrichment cultures, and library preparation for metabarcoding and HTS sequencing. Bioinformatics includes analysis of diversity datasets, phylogenetics, analysis of genomic datasets, phylogenomic. Disseminate results in appropriate formats, including leading peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Training will be provided when necessary. The position includes travels, for short (e.g. conference) or longer period to sampling trips.

Requirements
PhD in Biology or equivalent, or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Biology or equivalent. 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 labour unions, etc.

The successful candidate will have a strong record, appropriate for their career stage, of high-quality research publications. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as high-motivation, planning and organizational skills, problem solving, stress management. We strive to create a friendly atmosphere among team-members and other employees in the work place, so a collegiate capacity to work as part of a team is necessary. Expertise and knowledge in microbial sampling as well as handling and culturing protist cells are necessary. A suite of methodologies will be used as described in the project description and some at least are required attributes of the candidate. Proven expertise in bioinformatics (e.g. phylogeny, genomics) and use of a scripting language (Python, R) need to be demonstrated. Proficiency in English, both oral and in writing, is required. 

Additional qualifications
Experience and knowledge of microbialite environments, in particular sampling in these environments, will be a strong asset. Good practice in advanced microscopy is a strong advantage. Background in eukaryotic diversity will be seen as highly valuable. In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department. 

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement, with possibility for extension up to 3 years Scope of employment 100%. Starting date April 1 2023 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Fabien Burki, +46 18 471 2779, [email protected]

Please submit your application by 30th of November 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3986.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Organismal Biology

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/3986

Last application date: 2022-11-30

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