Within the research area “Population Genetics” at The National Institute
for Aquatic Resources, DTU Aqua, we offer a 3-year post-doctoral
fellowship in the field of environmental DNA analysis.
The fellow will be employed at DTU Aquas´s location in Silkeborg,
Jutland, which besides the Population Genetics group also hosts the
section for Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology (FFE). The starting time
is negotiable, but preferably around 1 June 2017.
The successful candidate will work on a number of funded projects within
the topic of environmental DNA from marine organisms. The main focus
will be on the application and evaluation of an in situ, underwater
automated DNA laboratory; the “ESP” (Environmental Sample Processor),
for qPCR (quantitative PCR) based eDNA analysis. The aim is to apply
the ESP for improved monitoring and management of a number of species,
ranging from rare over invasive to marine ecosystem key species. Another
main task will be development, test and application of species specific
qPCR assays for monitoring a range of invasive species in Danish harbours.
The population genetics group at DTU Aqua has three senior researchers
(one professor, two senior research scientists), one postdoc, three
laboratory technicians, PhD and masters students (currently four
PhD and one MSc student). Our main research focus is on Fisheries
and Conservation Genetics, i.e. to apply molecular genetic tools to
solve problems in fisheries science and conservation biology in order
to contribute to long term sustainable management of marine resources
and biodiversity. Our project portfolio ranges from basic science to
projects directly targeted at providing specific management advice, and
most projects encompass both basic and applied aspects. In recent years
the group’s main focus has shifted from genetics to genomics. Thus, most
ongoing projects include genomic analysis. The facilities in Silkeborg
comprise a fully equipped state of the art genetics laboratory, including
DNA lab facilities for manipulating sensitive DNA samples.
The DTU Aqua Silkeborg location currently employs around 35 people
including six PhD students. The young researchers work on a diversity
of projects related to fish ecology and genetics aiming at fisheries
resource management and biodiversity protection. They actively interact
through various fora including regular seminars and the local study
group in population ecology and genetics.
Qualifications
We invite applications from post doc level researchers with a background
in eDNA analysis or related research fields. In particular experience
in designing, testing and applying qPCR assays for species specific
identification and quantification is will be considered an asset.
As we are in a process to expand the group’s competences with respect
to genomic analysis, we strongly encourage applicants with previous
bioinformatics experience in relation to handling and analysing genomic
data. The candidate will be selected based on previous scientific track
record and qualifications of relevance to the described projects.
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent.
Further information
For further information please contact the Population Genetics research
coordinator, professor Einar Eg Nielsen (een@aqua.dtu.dk), tel +45
3588 3115.
You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk and more on population
genetics
Please do not send applications to Principal Investigator, instead apply
online as described below.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment terms will be based on the collective agreement with the
Confederation of Professional Associations. The salary will be agreed
upon with the relevant union.
Starting date is negotiable. The position is for 3 years.
Place of work is DTU Aqua in Silkeborg, Denmark.
Application procedure We must have your online application by 25 April
2017.
Please go to the web-site
(http://www.aqua.dtu.dk/Om_DTU_Aqua/Ledige_stillinger/job…
), open the link “apply online” and fill in the application form and
attach the following documents:
*A letter motivating the application (cover letter) *Your application
*Curriculum vitae with publication list *Diploma *Two letters of
recommendation *If applicable, other material that you would like to be
included in the evaluation.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be
considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability,
religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education
at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation
of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic
organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration
in ecosystem-based management. DTU Aqua has 260 employees, of whom
a third are scientific staff. The institute is organised into eight
scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory
activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and
administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU
Aqua has employees in Charlottenlund, Hirtshals, Silkeborg as well as
on Dana.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research,
education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance
science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the
demands of society; and our 10,600 students are being educated to address
the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic
university collaborating globally with business, industry, government,
and public agencies.
Dorte Bekkevold <db@aqua.dtu.dk>