The Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, at the University of Turku invites applications for contract-based, fixed term postdoctoral researcher position for two years. Employment starts on as agreed.
The selected candidate will work within the framework of a Research Council of Finland-funded project “Fungal parasitism along a salinity gradient: an overlooked driver of marine phytoplankton blooms” (led by Dr Silke Van den Wyngaert, https://uglylab.science/).
The project aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation in chytrids, zoosporic fungi from the Chytridiomycota phylum. As lethal parasites of phytoplankton, chytrids significantly influence the dynamics of phytoplankton blooms, impacting key ecosystem processes. While traditionally isolated from and studied in freshwater environments, chytrids are increasingly observed in brackish and marine waters. The salinity barrier is considered one of the most difficult physicochemical barrier to cross, playing a crucial role in determining microbial community composition. Molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation in chytrids will be investigated through comparative genome and transcriptome analyses.
Job description
The selected candidate will:
- conduct assembly and genome analysis of chytrid cultures and single cells isolated from the Baltic Sea.
- perform comparative genome analysis and analyze transcriptome experiments.
- draft study outcomes for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
- have the opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects, including targeted fungal parasite omics analyses.
Apply between 16 February 2024 and 28 March 2024 16:00 (Europe/Helsinki)
Who we are looking for
Requirements
We are seeking a highly motivated person with:
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, genetics, bioinformatics, or a relevant subject.
- proficiency in R and Unix command line (mandatory), with a merit in learning other programming languages such as Python.
- documented skills in genomics and/or metagenomics analyses (required).
- experience with transcriptomics/metatranscriptomics analyses (merit).
- experimental and lab skills are a valuable asset but not mandatory.
The applicants are expected to have good writing and communication skills in English.
The eligibility criteria are defined in university-of-turku-rules-of-procedure.pdf (utu.fi)
We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for our open positions.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employee from our Come work with us! pages.
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The university offers good support and orientation for international hires. Please learn more about the Finnish culture and relocation to Finland:
- City of Turku,
- Welcome visitor ,
- Career in Southwest Finland,
- International House of Turku
- Working culture: infoFinland.fi
- This is Finland
- Careers in Southwest Finland
- Finland – a superpower of education and innovations | University of Turku (utu.fi)
Salary and trial period
The salary is determined in accordance with the university salary system for teaching and research personnel. The job requirement level of the position is 5-6, (3213,55€ – 3747,44€). In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance is paid. Salary, based on previous experience and skills, is approximately 3600 euros/month at the beginning of the assignment.
The position has a trial period of six months.
How to apply
Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is Thursday 28.3.2024 at 16.00 (EEST GMT+3 / at 13:00 UTC).
Please include the following information and documents (in English) with your application:
- Motivation letter, explaining qualifications and interest for this position (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae, including the contact details of 2 reference persons (max. 2 pages)
- Copy of PhD degree certificate
- other documents that may influence the filling of the position.
We reserve the right for justified reasons to leave the position open and to extend the application period if needed.
Further information
For further information about the position, please contact: Silke Van den Wyngaert, silke.vandenwyngaert@utu.fi.
With questions about the application process, please contact: HR-specialist Kaisa Ketomäki, kaisa.ketomaki(at)utu.fi
Department of Biology
In the Department of Biology, we explore life and biological evolution in a range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Empirical experimentation in the field and laboratory is widely applied when digging into the structure and function of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The Department of Biology is one of the scientifically most productive units of the University and successfully educates experts at all degree levels. It also harbors the Center of Evolutionary Applications that supports academic research and provides molecular genetic analyses for conservation needs outside the University.
In the Faculty of Science, we seek the truth and develop solutions for sustainable future and intelligent society. Science Fiction becomes reality.
The University of Turku is an inspiring and international academic community of 25,000 students and staff in Southwest Finland. We build a sustainable future with multidisciplinary research, education, and collaboration. With us, your work will have a significant impact and relevance in the changing world.
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