Postdocs in Meiofauna Genomics

Two postdoctoral positions in genomics of meiofauna are available at the Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, UCPH - with a focus on either spiralian or ecdysozoan evolution. The appointment is for 2 years, and the starting date is 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Overall description of the project

The positions are funded by a Carlsberg Semper Ardens grant in ‘Meiofauna genomics’ to Professor Katrine Worsaae. Exploiting the vast development in molecular techniques we wish to resolve the relationships of all phyla in the Animal Tree of Life, including chromosome level genomes of >30 microscopic lineages (meiofauna). Through phylogenomics and comparative genomics we seek a more complete understanding of animal evolution and miniaturization, elucidating the underpinning genomic mechanisms and the phenotypic consequences hereof.

The postdocs will be part of this large-scale collaborative project, conducting phylogenomics and comparative genomics of either of the two large metazoan clades, Ecdysozoa or Spiralia, and investigating the origin of meiofaunal lineages herein.

Each postdoc is expected to participate in the design of experiments and meiofaunal field- and labwork, perform bioinformatic analyses, present results, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Important research approaches will include full genome sequencing and assembly, phylogenomic analyses and comparative genomics. The postdoc’s duties will include research on meiofaunal genomics, student supervision, as well as (limited) teaching.

Scientific environment

The Worsaae lab offers creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment, including modern laboratories and computing facilities. We investigate questions pertaining to the evolution of Metazoa using phylogenomics, advanced microscopy and comparative genomic approaches. We study a range of microscopic invertebrates across the Animal Tree of Life to understand how their diversity arose and has been shaped through evolution. The main focus is on meiofauna (microscopic) animals and miniaturization pathways to small and simple body design.

Successful applicants will further benefit from being part of an international collaboration of scientists including Josefin Stiller, Rute De Fonseca, and Martin V Sørensen at UCPH, Gonzalo Giribet at Harvard Universiy, José Martín-Duran at Queen Mary University of London, and Christopher Laumer at the National History Museum, London.

Daily work will be based at the Marine Biological Section, part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. University of Copenhagen houses the International Staff Mobility Office that can assist with matters related to moving to Denmark.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in evolutionary biology, marine biology or zoology, comparative genomics, bioinformatics, or similar fields
• Demonstrated record of independent research (first authorship) in one or more of the relevant fields (invertebrate evolution, comparative genomics, phylogenomics, evo-devo)
• Research experience in bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
• Excellent English communication and writing skills
• Experience in project coordination is advantageous, but not required
• Experience in generating NGS data, especially long reads is advantageous, but not required
• Knowledge on- and research experience with marine invertebrates is advantageous, but not required

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Katrine Worsaae (kworsaae@bio.ku.dk).

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

How to apply

Application must be in English, submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below, and include:

• A cover letter, describing motivation and current and future research plans (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae, including research experience most relevant to the position (max 2 pages)
• Complete list of publications
• Pdf files of your two most relevant publications or preprints
• Diplomas (Masters degree and PhD degree, or equivalent)

The deadline for applications is 17 November 2024, 23:59 GMT +1

Procedures

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews are expected to be held from mid-December 2024 to early January 2025, via zoom.