Postdoctoral Researcher Position in Ecology of African Birds

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Postdoctoral researcher position (50% time) in ecology of African birds at the University of Cyprus

Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
No. of Positions: One (1)
Category; One (1) year contract with possibility of renewal
Location: University of Cyprus, Nicosia

We are inviting applications for a part-time (70 hours/month) Postdoctoral Researcher position to work with Alexander Kirschel in the Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Lab at the University of Cyprus. The role will involve working on two Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) projects involving collaborations with Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt at Princeton University and Dr. Andrea Fulgione at Max Planck Institute of Plant Breeding Research.

1. Continent-wide genomics of hybridisation and speciation

Our aim is to establish the history of isolation, divergence and gene flow among populations of tinkerbirds across sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular across several contact zones to understand the factors that mediate reproductive isolation in birds. In particular, we are interested in determining the relative effects of periods of isolation and divergence in phenotypic traits such as plumage coloration and song. The project involves sampling across contact zones in Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, and combining those samples with data from samples collected previously from several further contact zones, including South Africa and Swaziland. The postdoctoral researcher will focus primarily on downstream population genomics analyses, working closely with Dr. Fulgione and Dr. vonHoldt. Demographic inference will be based on site frequency spectrum and multiple sequentially Markovian coalescent (MSMC) approaches, while D statistics, and landscape genomics will also be used.

2. Leveraging ancestry to investigate the genomics of song and colour in birds

This project focuses on a hybrid zone in South Africa and Swaziland between yellow-fronted and red-fronted tinkerbirds in which it aims to identify genes and regulatory regions associated with key phenotypic traits, including feather colour and song. A previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using ddRAD sequencing found an association between the gene CYP2J19 and carotenoid conversion from yellow to red feathers (Kirschel et al. 2020, Molecular Ecology). The project involves admixture mapping, GWAS, and RNAseq and IsoSeq annotation to investigate gene expression.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position is based at the University of Cyprus. It will involve manuscript preparation and dissemination of results in scientific conferences as well as via other outlets.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD in a related subject
• Proficiency in R
• Some experience with bioinformatics
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work with large datasets
• Proficiency in English
• First author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• GIS skills – especially ARCGIS
• Experience with avian biology

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

The position is part-time for an initial 12 months, with possibility of extension. The gross annual salary will be pro rata based on the full-time employment range of €26,563.92 - €36,208.92 per annum commensurate with experience. Employee contributions will be deducted from the above amount. The position does not include a 13th Salary bonus.

How to apply

Applications are due by 24th May 2022.

Informal enquiries and applications, which must include a cover letter, CV, details of two referees, and a list of publications, should be sent by email to:

Associate Professor Alexander Kirschel
Behavioural Ecology and Evolution Lab
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Cyprus
[email protected]

At least the best three candidates that satisfy the required qualifications, will be interviewed by a 3-member Committee.

Candidates shall be informed of the result of their application by the relevant entity.

The University of Cyprus shall collect and process your personal data according to the provisions of the General Regulation on Personal Data 2016/679 (EU).