Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Population Genetics and Biogeoraphy
Position as postdoctoral research fellow available at Department of Biosciences, Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EVOGENE)
The fellowship period is two years. Within the framework of the position duties may be assigned. Starting date no later than 01.04.2017. No one can be appointed for more than one fixed-term period at the same institution.
Description
The post-doctoralfellow will work within the framework of iGran, a Norwegian Research Councilfunded project examining the ecology and evolutionary history of Lophodermium piceae, a near ubiquitous endophytic fungus associated with spruce species worldwide. The lifecylce of the fungus is tightly linked to its host, although horizontal transmission of the fungus can occur. The iGran project aims to characterize the nature of the interaction between L. piceae and its hosts, its role in the leaf microbiome of spruce needles, as well as the role of both geography and historical events in shaping the genetic structure of European populations of the fungus. The post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for a pan-European survey of the genetic structure of L. piceae populations to examine the effects of the last glacial maxima on the organism’s evolutionary history. The successful candidate will also undertake small-scale investigations of the role of natural dispersal barriers in shaping the genetic structure of these fungal populations. The project will use NGS-based approaches to generate data for SNP detection and population genetic/genomic analysis.
Qualifications:
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
The candidate must have a PhD or other corresponding education equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in molecular ecology, biogeography, or population genetics.
The research group working language is English. A good oral command of the language is mandatory and strong writing skills are highly desirable.
We seek a highly motivated and skilled person who is able to work independently as a contributor to a collaborative team. Background knowledge in mycology is desirable, but not essential. The post doctoral fellow will be responsible for a pan-European assessment of populations of a specific endophytic fungus and will be required to manage and execute all steps of the project including fieldwork, lab work, data analysis, and writing. The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines.
Essential qualifications include:
- wet lab experience with DNA extraction and NGS or RADSeq library preparation
- demonstrated knowledge and skills in bioinformatics and statistical analysis for population genetics including knowledge of software such as Stacks, Structure, Arlequin, poppr, or similar platforms
- experience analyzing large-scale genetic/genomic datasets (ex/ SNP data)
Desirable qualifications include:
- good knowledge of fungal biology and biostatistics
- experience with fungal culturing'
- valid driver's license.
The main purpose of post-doctoral research fellowships is to qualify researchers for work in top academic positions within their disciplines.
Salary:
Position code 1352, NOK 486 100 – 567 100 per year, depending on qualifications and seniority.
The application must include:
- Application letter
- CV (summarizing education, positions, administrative experience and other qualifying activities)
- Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records, letters of recommendation
- A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic papers that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.
In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.
For more information click "Further official information" below.