Postdoctoral Fellow in Evolutionary Genetics
Uppsala University Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Program.
Sweden

Postdoctoral fellow in evolutionary genetics

Sort on published: 2019-05-24

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 44.000 students, 7.100 employees and a turnover of SEK 7 billion.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow in evolutionary genetics is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary biology program.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se. The Evolutionary Biology Centre is one of the leading arenas in the world for research and education in evolutionary biology.

SciLifeLab (http://www.scilifelab.se) is a Swedish national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is hosted by four Swedish universities (Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University) and collaborates with several other universities.

Project description: The proposed project will elucidate the evolutionary significance of GC-rich sequences in birds with a focus on “hidden genes” and G-quadruplexes. Some regions of avian genomes are characterized by a high content of G and C nucleotides (GC-rich regions), particularly on the smallest chromosomes (microchromosomes. These regions likely have unique characteristics, such as high recombination rate, high gene density, and a capability of forming non-standard DNA topologies, called G-quadruplexes (G4s). However, virtually nothing is known about the evolutionary significance of these GC-rich regions in birds because technological limitations previously prevented effective
sequencing and assembly of nucleotide content-biased sequences.

In this project, we will harness the recent availability of third-generation genome assemblies without a bias against GC-rich regions, mathematical models and statistical tools to investigate when GC-rich sequences evolved in avian genomes, how they are conserved across birds, and what the biological function of GC-rich sequences and, in particular, G4s might be in vertebrates. We will take advantage of novel bioinformatic methods to identify G-quadruplexes through their polymerization speed and error profiles in long-read sequencing data. Then we will test for neutral processes vs. natural selection for GC content in specific lineages and genomic regions. This line of research lies at the interface between evolutionary biology, comparative genomics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Duties: Analysis of next-generation sequencing data; comparative genomics of GC content evolution in “hidden genes” and repetitive elements, especially on microchromosomes.

Qualifications required: PhD in evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or another relevant field. To be eligible to apply you must have a PhD completed within three years of the application deadline. If you received your PhD earlier but special circumstances exist you are also eligible to apply. We are looking for a highly motivated and competitive early career scientist with strong skills within the subject area. Basic experience in analyses of next-generation sequencing data is necessary, as is a strong background in comparative genomics. Candidates must be good at communicating in spoken as well as written English. Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills such as communication and collaboration skills, ability to work independently, scientific maturity and creativity.

Qualifications desired: Programming skills (e.g., Perl, Python, or R) are desirable.

Instructions for the application: The application should include 1) A letter of intent describing yourself, your research background and interests, and why you would be suitable for the position (max. 2 pages). 2) Your CV and publication list. 3) The names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.). 4) A copy of your PhD certificate, 5) Any unpublished work that you would like to present in support of your application. The application should be written in English.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

Position: Temporary full-time position for 24 months, according to central collective agreement.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 2019-09-01 or as otherwise agreed.

For further information about the position please contact: Assistant professor Alexander Suh, alexander.suh@ebc.uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-06-20. UFV-PA 2019/1810.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.

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