Researcher in hybridization induced changes to gene expression

Subject description

We are recruiting an early career researcher for a career development position of 1 year within the ERC-funded project “Hybridization derived novel patterns of gene expression”.
This project broadly addresses the role of gene expression in how novel, potentially adaptive, variation can arise from hybridization. While the specific questions that will be addressed will be developed in discussion with the recruited candidate and the team, the main question of the project is the extent to which alterations to chromatin distribution and methylation arise, and how they contribute to altered patterns of gene expression. We have assembled a unique data set of three independent lineages of Italian sparrow Passer italiae and their parental species, with data on gene expression and tissue samples from ca 10 individuals of each sex common garden populations of these, and are now extracting these samples.
The researcher will work in a collaborative lab performing analyses of gene expression, ATACseq data, and will analyze and synthesize and write up the work for publication and work closely with the HybridExpress team consisting of a lab manager, a PhD-student and a post doc.
There will be opportunities for mentorship. The project is led by Senior Lecturer Anna Runemark, and set within the SPeciation, Adaptation and Co-Evolution lab in the biodiversity and evolution division.

 Work duties

The main duties involved in a researcher posistion is to conduct research.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Bioinformatical analysis of gene expression data
• Analysis of methylation and histone modifications, with focus on their effects on gene expression
• Interpretation of bioinformatical results, figure preparation
• Synthesizing the data for publication

The candidate can potentially contribute to the teaching on the bioinformatics program.

 Qualification requirements

Appointment to this career development position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, e.g. within genetics, genomics, evolutionary biology using bioinformatical approaches or within molecular biology addressing evolutionary questions. While there are no formal career age requirements, the position is aimed for career development for a research career and merits will be considered in the light of the career age.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a position intended for career development for a future academic career 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 i.e. hybridization genomics and/or regulation of gene expression.

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research, assessed by a publication record with strong independent contributions and high-quality publications.
• Strong skills in bioinformatics, including analysis of methylation and histone modifications, gene expression data and/or analysis of hybrid genomes.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Knowledge of development of repeatable workflows such as snake-make
• Drivers’ license valid in Sweden

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 1 year. Preliminary starting date is 2025-10-01, or according to agreement. 

Contact person: Anna Runemark anna.runemark@biol.lu.se

 Instructions on how to apply

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

• Résumé/CV (no more than two pages)
• 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 for at least two academic references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate