Uppsala University hereby declares the following positions to be open for application:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology

at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) with starting date being May 1st, 2012, or as soon as possible after this date.

The Evolutionary Biology Center hosts one of the world’s largest aggregations of evolutionary biologists, and is a prime research environment for a wide range of fields in evolutionary biology and genetics, see http://www.ebc.uu.se for more information. The working atmosphere is very international with English as our operational language. Uppsala University is the oldest university in Scandinavia and the city of Uppsala is a vibrant student town with beautiful surroundings conveniently situated 40 minutes with train from Stockholm.

Brief research outline: The holder of this position will direct research towards an evolutionary understanding of the genomics of metabolic rate. Insects (seed beetles) will serve as the model system. The candidate will first complete a collaborative effort to produce a de novo complete genome sequence of our main model system (Callosobruchus maculatus) which is currently underway. The holder of this position will then concentrate on the genetics of metabolic rate using focussed genotype-phenotype matching and upon sex-specific selection on discrete genotypes using experimental genomics. This research will involve whole-organism phenotyping of metabolic rate (using a state-of-the art respirometry system) and will focus on those nuclear and mitochondrial genes that are involved in the oxphos pathway and epistatic interactions between these.

This postdoctoral position forms a part of a new project on genetic conflict, funded by the European Research Council and the Swedish Research Council. The entire project will employ some 6-8 postdocs and PhD students, apart from a full time TA and the PI, and will strongly encourage interactions and collaborations within the group.

Salary and appointment: The period of initial appointment is two years, with the possibility of prolonging the contract with another two years (i.e., 2+2 years). Uppsala University adopts an individual salary policy but the starting salary for postdoctoral researchers is typically about 29.000 SEK per month and includes full social benefits.

Eligibility: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D, or an exam which is judged comparable to a PhD, that was completed within three years of the application deadline. Applicants that received their PhD earlier than this date will be considered if special circumstances exist (such as prolonged periods of illness, parental leave, military service, union duties and others of similar character).

Qualifications and merits: The ideal candidate has a documented expertise in using genomic tools in evolutionary biology and has a documented interest in the study of phenotypic selection and/or general evolutionary theory. Experience of de novo next-generation sequencing is a merit, as is experience of genotype-phenotype matching using genomic data and/or comparative genomics. Experience of laboratory work with insects and/or previous experience of work with respirometry phenotyping of metabolism will also be considered merits. Because the holder of this position will interact and collaborate closely with other members of the group, we will put emphasis on both independence and ability to collaborate. The holder of this position will be responsible for orchestrating part of the larger research project as an independent junior scientist and the ideal candidate therefore already has some postdoctoral research experience.

To apply: Candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications and a short (1-3 pages) description of past research accomplishments and future research ambitions. Applicants should also include names and e-mail addresses of two referees and should specify the date they will be available to begin the position.

For further information about the position, please contact the PI of the group: Professor Göran Arnqvist phone +46 18 471 2645, e-mail Goran.Arnqvist@ebc.uu.se . The trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco (the Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations), phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST (the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees), phone +46 18 471 1996, and Stefan Djurström, Seko (the Union of Service and Communication Employees), phone +46 18 471 3315.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than March 20, 2012 (UFV-PA 2012/68). Use the link below to access the on-line application portal.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology