In the context of a European Project on Marine Metabarcoding Benthic
Biodiversity, we are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly
motivated Postdoctoral researcher to work at the laboratory of
Ecological and Environmental Genetics in Ravenna Campus (Department of
Biological, ecological and Environmental Science (BiGeA), University of
Bologna, Italy) on *Metaphylogeography of Mediterranean marine benthic
invertebrates*. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary and
stimulating team including several Post Doc, PhD students and Master
students involved in several part of the project such as metabarcoding,
population genomic, marine conservation and citizen science.
The main topic of the project is to use a metabarcoding (DNA based
identification and high-throughput DNA sequencing) approach to develop
marine monitoring networks for hard bottoms benthic
habitats.Metabarcoding, in fact, is known nowadays as an efficient
method to assess biodiversity at community level. Moreover, it produces
a lot of data (based on MOTUs) that can be used to assess population
genetic structure and phyleogeography patterns of several MOTUs at the
same time.
Within the project, the successful applicant will be specifically
involved in *metaphylogeography and population genomic* *of several
benthic invertebrates* to identify connectivity and evolutionary
patterns at Mediterranean scale. The candidate will use data retrieved
by metabarcoding survey trough standardized sampling (e.g ARMs) to
identify intraspecific genetic pattern. Moreover, he/she will use a
population genomic approach based on RAD sequencing to detect
structuring in several target species.
The candidates must have a PhD degree in an area that includes the use
of modern molecular biological methods to answering environmental or
ecological questions, and with enough publications and experience in the
corresponding themes. Moreover, a bioinformatic background will be very
welcome.
The candidates should have experience in:
1.Experimental planning and fieldwork, organisation of sample collection
2.DNA extraction and library preparation for 2bRAD genotyping by
sequencing and identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs);
3.Language programming such as R and Perl;
4.High throughput sequencing data analysis;
5.Biostatistics and big data management;
6.Working knowledge of English, good communication, teamwork and
organisational skills as well as to be able to work independently.
Desirable skills:
-Experience in morphological taxonomy of benthic species (invertebrates,
algae).
-Experience on scientific diving
The position is a full time contract available immediately (*September
2019*) for one year in the first instance, with the possibility after
review to extend the contract for further one year.
For more information, and for consideration, please email a complete CV,
your motivations and two reference letters) to
Federica Costantini,
Laboratory of Experimental Ecology
University of Bologna
Via S. Alberto 163 I-48100 – Ravenna
Italy.