Work with an Invert! - Butterfly Evolution and Bioinformatics

Post-doctoral Research Associate in Molecular Evolutionary biology/Bioinformatics

We seek a post-doctoral researcher with training/experience in bioinformatics and large-scale sequencing to conduct research in two projects based on 454-sequencing and related to population dynamics and molecular evolution. The post doc will work in a large international research group.

One project is concerned with a highly variable gene (Pgi) with strong association with individual performance and fitness in the Glanville fritillary butterfly, which has been the focus of large-scale research since 1991. The research involves sequencing and analysis of large population samples. The second project is concerned with the identification and quantitative measurement of the abundances of fungal species in decomposing tree trunks. This project is related to an ERC-funded project on metacommunity dynamics of polyporous fungi. In both projects the sequencing will be carried out at the nearby high-throughput laboratory of the Institute of biotechnology, University of Helsinki using massive parallel sequencing methods.

PhD and prior experience with bioinformatics and molecular biology methods is required. Strong candidates would additionally have interest in molecular evolution and/or population genetics. The position is available for two years with possible extension for up to two more years.

We offer a highly international research environment with excellent possibilities to interact with researchers in ecology and evolutionary biology, molecular biology, mathematics and statistics. Salary and social benefits according to the University of Helsinki Salary Scale, around 3,100 €/month (negotiable based on experience).

Applications including a short CV (max 3 pages), list of publications, and the e-mail addresses of two researchers willing to write a letter of reference should be sent to ilkka.hanski[at]helsinki[dot]fi (cc tuuli.ojala[at]helsinki[dot]fi; write "mol ecol post doc position" on the subject line). For more details on the research group see http://www.helsinki.fi/science/metapop/. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continues until the position is filled.