Post-doctoral fellow in functional genomics and ecophysiology

Subject description

The goal of the project is to uncover the mechanisms explaining why global warming and heatwaves reduce reproductive success and cause excess mortality in wild and domesticated warm-blooded animals. The work will be based on functional genomics (CRISPR/Cas9) combined with bioinformatics, pharmacological manipulation, and thermophysiological measurements.

The position is suitable for candidates with a background in evolutionary molecular biology or functional genomics in an evolutionary biology context, with an interest in applying this knowledge to address new questions in eco-evolutionary physiology and thermal biology.

Work duties

The position is linked to the research program "HotLife – Pathways to Survival in a Warmer World," funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The overarching goal is to determine why warm-blooded animals struggle in a warmer climate and whether plastic or evolutionary responses can alter this outcome in the future. The research is primarily conducted using wild and domesticated bird models.

The candidate will be responsible for establishing a knock-out model with reduced temperature sensitivity and using this model to experimentally separate the direct and indirect effects of high air temperature on birds' lifespan and reproductive success. The work also includes characterization of target genes via transcriptomics and validation at the organism level by combining pharmacological intervention and thermophysiological methodology. The project is performed in close collaboration with the CNS Gene Therapy research group at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University.

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The work duties include:

• Research within the subject area
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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:

• A completed PhD in molecular biology, functional genomics, evolutionary biology, or a related field relevant to the position.
• Fundamental skills in molecular biology, including working with cell cultures.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative methods and statistics, including programming in commonly used languages such as R.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Practical experience working with recombinant viruses and CRISPR/Cas9 models.
• Experience with RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and associated analytical methods.
• Previous experience with evolutionary biology questions, particularly related to various bird models.
• Documented experience in publishing research results in peer-reviewed international journals.

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,
• A personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project aligns with your research background and future research plans (maximum 2 pages).
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.