Post-doctoral position to study evolutionary genomics of haploid life-stage in conifers in University of Oulu
26.9.2016Postdoctoral researcher, evolutionary genomics
The University of Oulu is an international scientific community, with 16 000 students and approximately 3 000 employees. The strenghts of the University are wide multidisciplinary study/research interests and modern research and study environment and good cooperation with international educational and research institutes. More information www.oulu.fi/english/
The following job is open in the University of Oulu:
The following job is open in the University of Oulu:
Post-doctoral position to study evolutionary genomics of haploid life-stage in conifers in University of Oulu
A postdoctoral position for 20 months is available in the Department of Genetics and Physiology, University of Oulu, Finland to work in Dr Tanja Pyhäjärvi’s research group (https://wiki.oulu.fi/x/_DLM).
Environment
The Department of Genetics and Physiology has strong expertise and tradition in plant population genetics. Current research topics include genetics of local adaptation both in trees and Arabidopsis, genetics of speciation, conservation genetics and molecular evolution of insects. We offer a scientific environment that is enthusiastic about plant evolutionary genetics, a possibility to develop your genomics and bioinformatics skills and initiate international collaboration. The Pyhäjärvi research group is part of Biocenter Oulu and of the Population and Statistical Genomics Research Consortium which combines different population genomics research groups within the university. Within Europe, we collaborate closely with other forests geneticists via the Horizon 2020 project GenTree.
Finland is one of the most livable countries, with a high quality of life, safety and excellent education system. The successful candidate will receive full benefits provided by the University of Oulu to university employees, including free occupational health care services, and obtain access and high-quality affordable childcare services.
The project
This project investigates the evolutionary consequences of haploid selection in plants. For this purpose, we use data from Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine), a widespread coniferous tree. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of haploid phase in gymnosperm evolution using both RNA-seq and genome wide polymorphism data. Gymnosperms are of special interest in understanding evolutionary consequences of different ploidy levels, as they have extensive haploid life stage compared to flowering plants. The project is part of a 5-year Academy Research Fellow project of Dr. Pyhäjärvi funded by the National Research Council of Biosciences and Environment.
Qualifications
The applicant should have a doctoral degree, recorded scientific expertise and interest in population and evolutionary genomics. Experience in bioinformatics, gene expression analysis and/or targeted sequencing is an advantage. The successful applicant will contribute to gene expression and population genetic analysis and research questions can be adjusted according to her/his interests and skills. The duties also include a small amount of teaching and supervising students. The work will be conducted in collaboration with Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) and as a part of an international team who are experts in gymnosperm gene expression analysis (Jukka-Pekka Verta, FML of the Max Planck Society) and theoretical plant evolutionary genetics (Yaniv Brandvain, University of Minnesota).
Details
Starting time for the position is January 1st 2017. The salary depends on the competence of the applicant, but likely will be level 5 of the national salary scale for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a supplementary remuneration will be given for personal achievement and performance, the sum rising to a maximum of 46.3% of the salary scale. (The total salary is expected to be around 3,200 €/month).
Applications should consist of (1) a letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages) and (2) a CV that includes a list of publications and the contact details of at least two referees. Applications should be submitted in English using the electronic application form by September 1st, 2016
For further information please contact Academy Researcher Tanja Pyhäjärvi (tanja.pyhajarvi[at]oulu.fi) or Head of Administration Tiina Pääkkönen (tiina.paakkonen[at]oulu.fi).