Postdoc & PhD positions in Evolutionary Biology – Genome organization of AM fungi
At the Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden.
Description
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic interactions with almost all terrestrial plants and have done so since plants first colonized land. The postdoc and PhD position are both part of a newly funded ERC research program aimed at understanding the ecology and evolution of these widespread and important organisms. Using state-of-the art technology, e.g., PacBio long read sequencing and single nucleus genomics methods, the research program seeks to resolve the genome organization of AM fungi so that the evolutionary consequences of their genome organization can be studied. Specifically, the project aims at testing the hypothesis that genetically distinct nuclear genotypes coexist within AM fungi. The project involves culturing of AM fungi, sorting and genotyping of nuclei from individual fungal isolates, genome and meta-genome sequencing and assembly, as well as genome size estimation. Based on the outcome of this first part, the project will be developed to connect genotype and phenotype to mycorrhizal activity.
The postdoc and PhD student will work close together and be part of an expanding research team led by Anna Rosling (http://www.ieg.uu.se/evolutionary-biology/rosling/research/) in collaboration with Hanna Johannesson (http://www.iob.uu.se/research/systematic-biology/johannesson/) at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), Uppsala University. EBC constitutes an exciting arena for multidisciplinary research in evolutionary biology in a broad sense, housing some 300 scientists and graduate students. The scientific environment with numerous seminars, journal clubs and social activities offer excellent possibilities for contacts and collaborations. Local platforms for high-performance computational analyses (https://www.uppmax.uu.se/uppnex), NGS, SNP genotyping and proteomic analyses (http://www.scilifelab.se) ensure immediate access to state-of-the-art technology. This project will utilize several of the technological platforms at SciLifeLab in Uppsala, in particular the Microbial Single Cell Genomics Platform (https://www.scilifelab.se/facilities/single-cell/).
Qualifications
Experience in bioinformatics and genome analysis is necessary and experience in mycology is a merit. The ideal candidate is scientifically motivated and can work both independently and as part of a team. High standard of spoken and written English is required.
To apply for the PhD position you must have a Master Degree in Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, Mycology or equivalent. Attach a copy of your diploma and your master thesis with the application.
To apply for the Post Doc position you must have acquired a PhD in Bioinformatics, Evolutionary Biology, Microbiology, Mycology or equivalent. Attach a copy of your PhD degree with the application.
Information about the position will be given by Anna Rosling tel +46 18-471 64 44, Anna.Rosling@ebc.uu.se.
Application: The application should include a letter with a short motivation of your interest in the position (one A4 page) and name and contact information to at least three reference persons and your CV. Use the link below to access the application form.
PhD candidates are welcome to submit their application using the link below no later than February 29, 2016. http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/details/?positionId=88336
Post Doc candidates are welcome to submit their application by email to Anna.Rosling@ebc.uu.se no later than February 15, 2016
