Postdoctoral Position in Fungal Genomics

Postdoctoral Position in Fungal Genomics

Uppsala University

Uppsala, Sweden

Are you interested in working with systematic biology, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The lab focuses on understanding the evolution of genomes and the genetic basis of adaptation in fungi. We recently discovered that many fungi harbour massive transposable elements, named Starships, that mobilize a vast diversity of fungal genes. We have now deciphered how the Starships move within genomes, but a growing amount of evidence suggests that they are also capable of moving between genomes. The main goal of the position is to demonstrate in a laboratory setting the horizontal transfer of a Starship between different fungi. This will be done by genetically modifying model strains so that successful transfers can be screened at high throughput on selective media.

Duties

The applicant will be expected to be largely based in the wet lab. Focussing on transformations of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and potentially related species. This will also include vector construction using yeast and/or bacterial transformations. Methods may also employ CRISPR/Cas9. They are also expected to analyse data that they generate, including some minor bioinformatic work. Applicants are expected to communicate findings both at international conferences and through writing scientific articles for publication.

Requirements

PhD degree in molecular biology/evolutionary biology or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in molecular biology/evolutionary biology. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Experience with molecular techniques is a necessity. Additional assets include microbial culturing of fungi, and fungal transformations. Previous experience with Aspergillus fumigatus is especially desired. Knowledge on presenting data and on conducting statistical analyses is also a plus. Candidates who demonstrate strengths in organization, problem solving, communication, and collaboration will be preferred. The applicant must have documented experience and proficiency in oral and written presentation in English.

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