Postdoc in the molecular analysis of environmental DNA samples
Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet / Kemiingenjörsjobb / Stockholm
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hela Sverige The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency with a mandate to promote knowledge, research and interest in our world. It is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For more than 200 years, the museum has been collecting specimens and data and conducting research on life on earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in the exhibitions, Cosmonova and in activities at the museum and digitally.
The Department of Bioinformatics and Genetics consists of the DNA laboratory and a biodiversity informatics group, as well as the Center for PaleoGenetics (CPG), which is a collaboration with Stockholm University. A number of research groups are linked to these activities, which primarily conduct research based on large-scale sequencing of genomes or environmental samples to study biodiversity and evolutionary processes. Research is also conducted in the areas of ecosystem analysis, phylogenetic inference and biodiversity informatics.
We are looking to fill a 2-year position as a Postdoctoral researcher in the molecular analysis of environmental DNA samples. The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Tom van der Valk. The position is funded by the Wallenberg fellowship in Data-Driven Life Science and will be aimed at molecular lab methods for the analysis of environmental DNA samples.
WORK TASKS
The postdoctoral position primary research focus will be on developing and optimising laboratory protocols and methodologies for extracting metagenomic DNA from intricate low quantity DNA samples encompassing soil, snow, water, and air. The objective is to pioneer innovative techniques, including single-cell sorting, hybridization capture, and single-stranded DNA library preparations. These innovations are aimed at optimizing the DNA yield and enhance species representativeness estimates obtained from environmental samples. The initial research focus will center on Swedish forests, with the aim to leverage DNA-based assessments of biodiversity, encompassing insects, bacteria, fungi, plants, vertebrates, and archaea, across various forest regions in Sweden. We will collect samples from soil, water and snow across diverse Swedish forest ecosystems with the goal of comparing eDNA based biodiversity estimates from monoculture production forests with biodiversity estimates for ancient natural forests. Furthermore, we intend to investigate how eDNA-based biodiversity measurements vary seasonally, by sampling the same locations repeatedly throughout the year.
Within the research group led by Tom van der Valk, we have developed computational pipelines for analysing metagenomic sequence data from eDNA samples. Together with the molecular biology technique development, an eagerness to learn and apply these bioinformatic tools to the generated project data is valued. The research project will be further adjusted according to the candidate's primary research interests. Additionally, we encourage the postdoc to expand their research portfolio by initiating new projects, seeking external funding opportunities, and participating in student supervision.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this position has a high level of English proficiency and holds a Ph.D. in biology, with a strong emphasis on genetic and molecular laboratory techniques and experimental biology. The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the closing date. Essential qualifications include expertise in high-throughput DNA/RNA extraction, purification, and NGS library preparations. A valuable asset would be a track record in optimizing laboratory methods and protocols, especially from handling specimen of various species/sample types, coupled with the ability to independently troubleshoot molecular biology challenges that may arise in the lab. Additional beneficial qualifications encompass experience in analysis biological samples at the cellular level, including advanced microscopy and cell staining methods, coupled with a keen interest in exploring innovative methods and technologies such as single-cell sorting. Demonstrated involvement or interest in biodiversity research, including field sampling activities, is advantageous, as is an affinity for working within an international and dynamic research environment. As we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment, we encourage qualified candidates from underrepresented communities to apply.
OTHER
We advance our knowledge of the natural world, inspiring to better care of our planet. Our ambition is that the employees of The Swedish Museum of Natural History shall represent the diversity in Sweden and we welcome every applicant.
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Ersättning According to agreement.
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2023-10-15
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Arbetsgivarens referens Arbetsgivarens referens för detta jobb är "606-2023".
Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet (org.nr 202100-1124),
http://www.nrm.se Arbetsplats Naturhistoriska riksmuseet
Kontakt Researcher
Tom van der Valk
tom.vandervalk@nrm.se 08-519 551 95 Jobbnummer 8135553
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