Postdoc­toral Re­searcher in Pop­u­la­tion/Land­scape Ge­net­ics

The Life-history Evolution Research Group within the Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

in an integrative project to address spatio-temporal genetic variation of butterflies in relation to land use and recent population trends for a fixed term of 3-years.

The post doc will join the Life-history Evolution Research Group (http://www.helsinki.fi/life-history-evolution ) led by Associate Professor Marjo Saastamoinen. The post-doctoral project will also be part of a newly established Centre for Ecological Genetics (EcoGenetics) (https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/centre-for-ecological-genet... ), an international collaboration between PIs from universities in Helsinki (FI), Aarhus (DK), and Aberdeen (UK), with the aim to understand the effect of insect decline on genetic diversity.

In this specific project the successful post-doctoral candidate is expected to use existing time-series genomic data/samples available for the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia) in the Åland islands, SW Finland, to examine both spatial and temporal patterns of genetic variation in relation to population demographics, climate and land use. Alternatively, or in addition, genetic sampling of different butterfly species with varying population trends across land-use gradient accompanied with historical museum specimens can be used for a more comparative genetic analyses. The centre will further establish relationships between genetic diversity and organismal performance, and develop a predictive modelling framework integrating genetic, ecological and environmental effects on insect population genetics. The research spans several topics in ecological and evolutionary research using different molecular methods and statistical and process-based modelling.

At the University of Helsinki, the research group of M. Saastamoinen is also part of the Research Centre for Ecological Change (www.helsinki.fi/rec ) and the Research Programme of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Thus the post doc will have an opportunity to interact within the dynamic and highly international research environments, with vast expertise in questions related to biodiversity change using long-term ecological monitoring data and spatial statistical analyses.

The successful candidate will participate in planning and potentially collecting samples, analyse the genetic data, and lead the writing of the resulting manuscript(s). The candidate is expected to have a strong background in evolutionary ecology, more specifically population or landscape genetics.

The successful applicant should have completed a PhD in evolutionary ecology or genetics, or a related field, and have strong statistical or bioinformatics skills. We seek candidates with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to conceive, execute and complete research projects, and to think independently and creatively. The post doc will work as a part of a team and thus good social skills are also required.

The starting date is 1.2.2022, but a later starting date can be negotiated. There will be a trial period of six months in the beginning.

For more information, contact assoc. prof. Marjo Saastamoinen by email: [email protected]

The salary will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance. The starting salary will be ca. 3300–3800 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience.

Application should include the following documents as a single pdf file:

• motivational letter (max 1 page),
• CV (max 2 pages)
• publication list
• Include also contact information of two persons who can provide a reference letter based on request.

Please submit your application using the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the Apply link. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to leave their application via the SAP HR portal. The deadline for submitting the application is 20 December 2021.

In case you need technical support with the recruitment system, please contact [email protected] .

HiLIFE, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (www.helsinki.fi/hilife ), at the University of Helsinki, is one of the leading life science research institutes in the Nordics. HiLIFE supports outstanding research and generation of innovations across the University’s campuses and provides research-based interdisciplinary training. HiLIFE has a staff of more than 650 diverse scientists and support personnel.

The Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences is the largest research and teaching unit in biosciences in Finland and situated at the Viikki campus. To find more about the Faculty, please visit: https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-biological-and-environmental-scie...

The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is one of the world’s leading universities for multidisciplinary research. The university has an international academic community of 40,000 students and staff members. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland.

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most liveable cities. Finland and the Helsinki region possess top expertise in sciences in terms of a vibrant talent pool, leading research, strong support services and functioning collaboration networks. For more information about working at the University of Helsinki and living in Finland, please see helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university .

Due date

20.12.2021 23:59 EET