Postdoctoral fellow in Noctuidae functional genomics

Subject description

The project will use a comparative functional genomes approach to study a species-rich group of moths, Noctuidae (Lepidoptera). Noctuidae have both a huge negative and positive impact on human society, as pests and pollinators. With 12,000 described species and close to 200 chromosome level genomes available (and another 800 expected in the next few years), Noctuidae are emerging as a powerful genome empowered clade for investigating the evolution of key traits and their impacts upon species diversification. The project aims to investigate the role of gene duplication and loss across Noctuidae in relation to the evolution of the key innovations of hostplant use (specialist versus generalist) and propensity to migrate (both relevant for becoming pests). Functional validation of the implicated gene duplication events will use CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis coupled with relevant phenotyping.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research, including comparative genomic studies of Noctuidae genomes, focusing upon the quantification of gene family dynamics across species in relation to phenotypes. Additionally, work will entail insect rearing and phenotyping in relation to CRISPR/cas9 experiments, with part of this training taking place in the lab of Prof. Wheat at Stockholm University.

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 by the time of starting employment or no more than three years before the date of employment decision. 

• Excellent documentation of oral and written proficiency in English
• Experience with comparative genomic methods (e.g. genome alignments,  CAFE analyses)
• Documented skills in bioinformatics (published articles, github repositories, etc)

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.
• Familiarity with Lepidopter
• Laboratory experience with molecular methods
• Experience with insect rearing

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 3 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, where the applicant’s role in relevant publications are explicitly stated
• Application letter, max 1 page
• Contact information of at least two references
• Documentation that a doctoral degree will be completed no later than the starting date of the position, in addition to other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

Additional questions can be addressed to the project PIs. 

Niklas Wahlberg (niklas.wahlberg@biol.lu.se)

Jadranka Rota (jadranka.rota@biol.lu.se)

Christopher Wheat (chris.wheat@zoologi.su.se)