Postdoctoral Fellow in Coastal Microbial Ecology in the Baltic Sea – Deadline 20 June 2023

At the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University (DEEP), research and education are conducted in an international environment. The subject areas are Ecology and Evolution, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology, Plant Physiology and Plant Systematics. Some of the research has direct environmental and societal relevance and the approach is often broad and interdisciplinary. About 100 people are working at the Department, of which ca. 35 are teachers and researchers and 40 are PhD students.

Project description

Stockholm University (SU) and University of Helsinki (HU) have entered into a strategic partnership where one of the key areas is Baltic Sea research within the Centre for Coastal Ecosystem and Climate Change Research (CoastClim) scientists from both universities explore the links between coastal biodiversity, carbon cycling, and climate feedbacks. To strengthen this joint research initiative, we are now inviting applications for one postdoctoral position focused on coastal microbial ecology in the Baltic Sea.

The selected postdoc will be employed at DEEP at Stockholm University, but is expected to spend at least 50 % of the time at the Baltic Sea Centre (BSC) at Stockholm University. BSC manages the field resources Askö Laboratory and the new research vessel Electra, and coordinates the marine operations from Stockholm University within CoastClim. We are looking for a candidate with experience of and a strong interest in microbial ecology in aquatic ecosystems.

Main responsibilities

The postdoc will join a research group that applies molecular methods, next generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatics to investigate coastal microbial communities. This includes both metagenome and metatranscriptomic sequencing to analyze for example diversity, community structure, and gene expression. This data is then coupled to the strong expertise within DEEP and BSC to measure greenhouse gases, water and sediment properties, and characterization of benthic fauna.

The successful candidate is expected to be active in field and laboratory work, set up experiments, perform bioinformatics, analyze data, write manuscripts, and engage in inter-disciplinary research and public outreach.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

The ideal applicant has a PhD in Marine Microbiology, Biology, Ecology or related disciplines, as well as strong publication records.

Requirements:

• Familiarity with molecular laboratory workflows (such as DNA extraction and NGS library preparation)
• Experience in bioinformatics
• Experience in data analyses of NGS data such as alpha and beta diversity, correlation analysis of biotic and abiotic data, and multivariate ordination analysis

Other merits:

• Experience in bioinformatics of metagenome and metatranscriptome data, or at least experience in data analysis of such data (e.g., differential gene expression)
• Field sampling of coastal water and/or sediment samples
• Strong communication ability in English, in both speech and writing
• Experience of project management and working in scientific teams.

Terms of employment

The position involves full-time employment for two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Researcher Elias Broman, elias.broman@su.se.

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references