Job description
The Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 1.5-year Researcher or 2 year PostDoctor position in functional genomics. The position is financed with the RCN-funded project SalmoSV.
Genomic structural variants including deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations of genetic sequences, are rich resources for genetic diversity. In particular, Atlantic salmon genomes show extreme levels of genomic structural variants, likely due to their unique history of recent whole-genome duplication. Structural variants in Atlantic salmon genomes are one of the most promising frontiers in both evolutionary genomics and aquacultural genomics. However, due to their complex nature, which and how structural variants have driven adaptive evolution with functional advantage are yet to be clarified. Currently, we are investigating structural variants in Atlantic salmon from different populations by long-read sequencing technologies and found dozens of interesting candidate genetic variants that may leading phenotypic diversity.
The goal of this project is to reveal the functional impact of target structural variants on early development in Atlantic salmon by gene-editing in cell lines and embryos.
The successful candidate will join CIGENE, a multidisciplinary genome biology research group. CIGENE has established excellent wet lab facilities (CIGENE genomics lab) for automated high-throughput omics analyses and gene-editing technology, as well as the connected CIGENE Bioinformatics & Computational Unit.
Main tasks
The main purpose of the post-doctoral position is to qualify for work in high-level scientific positions.
The goal of this project is to reveal the functional impact of target structural variants on early development in Atlantic salmon using CRISPR-Cas9 and/or Tol2 transgenesis in embryo and/or cell lines.
To achieve this goal, the recruited researcher/postdoc will collaborate with the ongoing Atlantic salmon genomics project team at CIGENE.
The candidate will:
- Participate in the selection process of targets from the candidate list
- design, develop and perform CRISPR experiments and Tol2 transgenesis of salmon embryos and/or cell lines
- investigate phenotype in Atlantic salmon embryo, skin and liver cell lines
- Illumina-based DNA, RNA sequencing in collaboration with bioinformatics researchers
- disseminate research in leading scientific journals in the field
- Work with other researchers, incuding PhD and master’s students
Planned starting date is April 1st. 2022.
Competence
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Required Academic qualifications
- PhD degree in genetics, molecular biology or related field
- Experience with gene-editing
- Experience in molecular biology
The following experiences and skills will be preferred:
- Experience with construction of vectors
- Experience with CRISPR in animals
- Experience with cell cultures
- Experience with imaging
You need to:
- Have good collaborative skills and high motivation
- Have ability to work independently displaying initiative and creative thought
- Have analytical and academic approach to research questions
- Be proficient in English, both written and spoken
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1109 Researcher, wage framework 24 (salary grade 61-77) (NOK 542.400-741.300) or in government pay scale position code 1352 Postdoctoral Fellow, wage framework 24 (salary grade 59-77) (NOK 523.200-741.300), on the Norwegian Government salary scale upon employment depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.
For further information, please contact Dr. Marie Saitou (about project overview) and Dr. Guro Katrine Sandvik (about technical detail) Lab Website
Information to applicants
Application (click here) and submit
- A letter of intent includes:
a. Why are you interested in this particular project?
b. How can you contribute to the project based on your specific skillsets including gene editing?
- Curriculum vitae + publication list + at least two academic reference persons.
Please make sure you read and understand the entire job description. Applications without required documents may not be reviewed/responded.
For more information, follow this link.