The Natural History Museum of Denmark is offering a 2-year postdoctoral position on e- DNA metabarcoding commencing October 1st 2014 or soon thereafter in the Rønsted group, Section for Evolutionary Genomics. The application deadline is August 1st 2014. A major outstanding question in natural science is the influence of the environment on the expression of chemical defence compounds. With the advent of high throughput Next Generation Sequencing data, it is now possible to use eDNA Metabarcoding to provide an estimate of biodiversity in for example an environmental soil sample. These new promising approaches can potentially provide an easy, more accurate and relevant estimate of the biotic assemblages present in the local environment than traditional habitat description or environmental analysis focusing on morphology, physical and chemical parameters. The strategic aim of this postdoctoral research project is to develop a model for using eDNA Metabarcoding to express local biotic pressure and to use this model to test the influence of the biotic pressure on expression of plant chemical defence compounds. The position will include some fieldwork.
The successful candidate will become an integrated part of the highly international research group of Nina Rønsted and the Section of Evolutionary Genomics at the Natural History Museum of Denmark. The Rønsted group explores the evolution of plants and the correlation between phylogeny, biological interactions and natural products, to explain patterns and processes of diversity. The position will include collaboration with ongoing research projects in the group and benefit from association with the MedPlant ITN network, www.MedPlant.eu. The position is funded by a grant from the VILLUM FONDEN. Qualifications and eligibility Applicants should hold a PhD degree in biology or another discipline of relevance for the research project. Experience with next generation sequencing, preferably with e-DNA metabarcoding, including both relevant labwork experience and bioinformatics, excellent English skills, and good interpersonal skills, is a requirement. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant as reflected in publications, relevant research experience, and the letter of motivation. At the time of recruitment, it is a requirement that the candidate has a maximum of 3 years PhD experience. Mobility is required and the position cannot be used to extend existing contracts or recruit researchers with a PhD degree from the University of Copenhagen, unless the candidate has worked at another institution for minimum a year. Place of employment and principal place of work The Rønsted Group, Section for Evolutionary Genomics, The Natural History Museum of Denmark, Sølvgade 83, Opg. S, DK-1307 Copenhagen, Denmark. Primary supervisor is Associate Professor Nina Rønsted, Natural History Museum of Denmark. Salary and terms of employment The postdoc´s duties will include research within e-DNA metabarcoding as well as other duties to a minor extent. The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and Jobmarked 6/30/14 10:26 AM http://www.offentlige-stillinger.dk/sites/cfml/kbhuni/print.cfm?nJobNo=217209&english=2 Page 2 of 2 The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The starting salary is currently up to DKK 403,682 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 69,030 annual). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. Further information Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Nina Rønsted (E-mail: [email protected]). See also the homepage of the research group: http://snm.ku.dk/forskning/sektioner/sektion_for_evolutionary_genomics/phylogenetic_prediction/ and the section: http://snm.ku.dk/english/research/sections/evolutionary_genomics/ Further information on the Department can be found at www.snm.ku.dk. Application procedure The deadline for applications is 1. August 2014. The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY ONLINE below. Please include Letter of motivation Curriculum vita (max 2 pages) PhD Diploma Complete publication list Two letters of reference Applications and enclosures received after the deadline or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements may not be considered. The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. Interviews will be held on 19. August 2014. The University of Copenhagen actively influences current and future generations through excellent research, education and co-operation. UCPH is one of the highest ranked universities in Europe and is Denmark´s oldest university, founded in 1479. Today, the University has 37,000 students and 9,000 employees affiliated across six faculties: humanities, law, natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences and theology. www.ku.dk/english/. Apply online The University of Copenhagen actively influences current and future generations through excellent research, education and co-operation. UCPH is one of the highest ranked universities in Europe and is Denmark´s oldest university, founded in 1479. Today, the University has 37,000 students and 9,000 employees affiliated across six faculties: humanities, law, natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences and theology. www.ku.dk/english/. Deadline: 01-08-2014 Publisher: Faculty of Science
