Post-doctoral fellow in hybridization induced genetic architecture - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

We are recruiting a post-doctoral fellow for 2 years to the ERC-funded project “Hybridization derived novel patterns of gene expression”. This project addresses the role of gene expression in how adaptive variation can arise from hybridization. Two specific questions that will be addressed are 1) to which extent alterations to genomic architecture, including indels and inversions contributes to altered gene expression in a hybrid taxon, the Italian sparrow Passer italiae in comparison to its parental species. 2) the role of altered methylation in altered patterns of gene expression in the hybrid Italian sparrow. To understand which patterns are general, four independent lineages of hybrid Italian sparrows on different Mediterranean islands will be used as a study system. Extraction of long read DNA and de novo assembly of top quality reference genomes from long read data for all these hybrid lineages and annotation will be crucial for achiving these research goals. The post doctoral fellow will perform gene expression analyses, help inform study design and contribute to field work, synthesize and write up the work for publication and work with the HybridExpress team consisting of a lab manager, a PhD-student and a researcher. There will be opportunities for mentorship. The project is led by Associate Senior Lecturer Anna Runemark, and set within the SPeciation, Adaptation and Co-Evolution lab in the biodiversity unit. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included if mutually agreed, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. 

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Extraction of long read DNA for long read genomes and RNA for gene expression analysis
• Genome assembly including long read and Hi-C data and annotation
• Identification of structural variation in genomes of the hybrid lineages in comparison to the parent species
• Analysis of methylation
• Analysis of and interpretation of gene expression data
• Synthesizing the data for publication

The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning, and the post doc could potentially contribute to the teaching of genome assembly and annotation on the bioinformatics program. 

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A documented ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Very strong skills in bioinformatics, including genome assembly.
• Documented knowledge of molecular lab work.
• Background and publication record in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology or evolutionary genomics

 Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Strong skills in bioinformatics, including genome assembly from long read data

Additional assessment criteria:

• Documented ability to extract high weight molecular DNA  
• Knowledge of development of repeatable workflows such as snake-make

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

 Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a cover letter detailing how your past research experience fits the position and your future research interests (no more than two pages)
• contact information of at least two academic references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate