Postdoctoral position in plant transcriptomics and phylogenomics
Jobbnorge ID: 185129
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About the position
The NTNU University Museum is looking for an energetic and ambitious postdoctoral researcher for a period of two years, as part of an international project funded by the Norwegian Research Council.
The DarwinPlants project seeks to reveal the evolutionary history of the Galápagos Islands-endemic daisy trees (genus Scalesia), as well as to understand the genomic basis of the rapid diversification in this unique and threatened group of plants. Within a relatively small time period (four million years), the daisy trees evolved from a single ancestor into 15 different species with drastic variation in size and shape, as well as diversity of life habits and strategies. Thus, these plants have been called 'the Darwin's finches of the botanical world.' The main objective of our project is to determine the genetic mechanisms that have allowed such a rapid diversification in this group. The project will employ several advanced approaches to investigate these matters, including next-generation sequencing of hundreds of whole genomes and transcriptomes.
Specifically, the successful researcher will lead the analysis of this data to: (1) apply phylogenomic methods to reconstruct the evolutionary history of all of the Scalesia species; (2) apply differential expression and transcriptome network analyses to identify gene networks involved in species-specific life history traits; and (3) take the lead in writing manuscripts on these topics.
The position is based in Trondheim with Associate Professor Mike Martin, within the Holomuseomics research group at the NTNU University Museum. This postdoctoral position requires a four-month research stay at the University of California, Davis in order to conduct the transcriptional network analyses in collaboration with Prof. Neelima Sinha.
We hope to fill the position by around August 1st 2020.
You will report to Head of Department.
Duties of the position
- Conduct high-throughput data processing (quality control, trimming, mapping, etc.) on hundreds of tetraploid plant transcriptomes
- Perform analyses of differential expression and transcriptional networks
- Perform phylogenomic analyses on the mapped shotgun genome data
- Complete a four-month research stay at University of California, Davis
- Attend project meetings and take the lead in writing the relevant manuscripts
Required selection criteria
A postdoctoral research fellowships is a qualification position in which the main objective is qualification for work in academic positions. By the employment start date it is required that you must have
- completed Norwegian or equivalent foreign doctoral degree in a topic related to Evolutionary Biology and or Bioinformatics>>
- documented evidence (in form of published papers and/or PhD thesis) of using state-of-the-art methods in transcriptomics and/or phylogenomics
- relevant expertise in island biology, rapid evolution and/or adaptive radiation
- excellent teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written
- fluency in English (written, reading, spoken)
If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.
The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.
Preferred selection criteria
- experience in plant biology, and in particular working with Asteraceae
- experience analysing genomic and transcriptomic data using Unix command-line tools
- experience with phylogenomic analysis
- knowledge of the principles of comparative genomics, population genomics and transcriptomics
- experience supervising students in computational methods
Personal characteristics
- collaborative skills
- energetic
- implementation capacity
- ambitious
In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.
We offer
- exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
- an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
- favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- employee benefits
Salary and conditions
The employment period is two years.
Postdoctoral candidates are placed in code 1352, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 542 400 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.
The position is subject to external funding.
It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.
About the application
The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.
Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.
The evaluation of candidates will be based on:
- submitted documents
- application/cover letter including a description of how this position fits the career plan and interests of the applicant, as well as how the candidate qualifies for the position
- scientific publications
- personal characteristics
- an interview (of short-listed candidates).
Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.
General information
A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background.
The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.
NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.
As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.
Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Mike Martin, phone: +47 901 518 50, e-mail mike.martin@ntnu.no, or Head of Department Prof. Hans Stenøien phone: +47 735 922 84, e-mail hans.stenoien@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Renate Lillian Johansen, e-mail: renate.johansen@ntnu.no
Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).
If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters.
Application deadline: 17.04.2020
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Om bedriften
NTNU - knowledge for a better world
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.
Department of Natural History
We conduct research in biogeography, biosystematics, evolutionary biology and ecology with a focus on biodiversity. The Department is responsible for developing and maintaining the Museum's natural history collections, including the botanical garden at Ringve in Trondheim. The Department of Natural History is one of two departments at the NTNU University Museum