Researcher in evolutionary genetics and genomics

Published: 2022-09-28

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.

A position as a researcher in evolutionary genetics and genomics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, in the Evolutionary Biology program.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se .

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Project description
We are seeking a researcher interested in combining the power of experimental evolution using Caenorhabditis eleganswith genetic and high-throughput genomic approaches to investigate fundamental questions in evolution. Our research program is diverse and includes multiple ongoing projects investigating (but not restricted to) (i) the fitness effects and evolutionary dynamics of spontaneous mutations, especially copy-number variants, (ii) the fitness consequences of selfish mitochondria and the genetic basis of mitonuclear adaptation, (iii) genomic conflict and compensatory evolution, and (iv) the genetic basis of adaptation following fitness decline and recovery. The successful candidate will be involved in analyzing both whole-genome sequence and transcriptome datasets of experimentally evolved C. elegans populations but will also have opportunities to design and initiate novel projects of choice that fall within the umbrella theme of our expertise (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xXF3A58AAAAJ&hl=en ).

Duties
The position will both involve both wet-lab and computational components. The wet-lab component will involve experimental evolution projects with C. elegans and standard molecular procedures (DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, gel electrophoresis, genomic library preparation, among others). Additionally, there is scope for incorporating genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 approaches and employing standard genetic backcrossing techniques. All projects are expected to involve a strong bioinformatic component involving analyses of DNA-Seq and/or RNA-Seq datasets. Training will be provided when necessary.

Qualifications required
To be eligible, the candidate must have a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree, in evolutionary biology or a related field. To be eligible, the candidate must be well-versed with fundamental principles/theory of population genetics and molecular evolution and possess both molecular and computational/bioinformatics skills. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as planning and organizational skills, strong motivation and ability to problem-solve, strong interpersonal communication skills and an ability to work collectively with other group members while fostering a collaborative work atmosphere. The candidate must possess documented experience and proficiency in both spoken as well as written English.

Qualifications desired: Candidates having experience with experimental evolution, molecular biology and bioinformatic/statistical analyses of large data sets will be given preference.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: As soon as possible, as agreed.

Position: The position is a temporary position until 2023-08-13.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Vaishali Katju, [email protected] , +46 18 471 6468.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and why you want this position, 2) your CV, 3) a short description of your education, 4) a copy of your doctoral degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.), 6) a copy of your master thesis and 7) publications produced. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than October 13, 2022. UFV-PA2022/3544.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Ecology and Genetics

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 2022/3544

Last application date: 2022-10-13

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