Postdoctoral Researcher in sawfly genomics and taxonomy

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 17,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations.  

We are now looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher

to join us in the Ecology and Genetics Unit and the Insect Bioliteracy Group at the Faculty of Science to work in a fixed-term position with our research team for the project: Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future. The project is the Kvantum Institute’s spearhead project for the period of 2025-2028.

Kvantum Institute is one of four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities, and providing doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas, such as mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as cooperation among groups and national and international partners.

Position description

We will hire one (1) research-oriented, talented and industrious person to carry out post-doctoral research in the project of “Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future”. The post-doctoral researcher will focus on developing genomic tools for more accurate species delimitation of taxonomically problematic groups of sawflies. The studies will include use of e.g. shotgun sequencing of fresh tissues to recover USCO markers from specimens as well as sequencing old museum (type) specimens. Several sequencing platforms (ONT, PacBio, Illumina) will be utilized. Furthermore, the studies will focus on elucidation of the evolutionary causes of the presence of intra-individual variability of seemingly functional mitochondrial COI barcode marker in sawflies. The work will mostly focus on North European fauna. The research team has massive tissue collection of sawflies which will be largely used, but the work will also include field trips.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research (a four-year fixed-term), publish research results in international journals, present research in international conferences, and contribute to developing efficient DNA-based approaches to overcome the taxonomic impediment. Other duties include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 10% of the total 1612 working hours per year) and co-supervising masters and doctoral students.

Description of the research team

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work in an international and experienced research team of biodiversity scholars and taxonomists. The project is led by Prof. Marko Mutanen (U. Oulu, Finland). The key collaborators include Prof. Paul Hebert, Dr. Evgeny Zakharov (U. Guelph, Canada) and Dr Marko Prous (U. Tartu, Estonia).

Position requirements

We are searching for a candidate with the following skills:

• Doctoral degree in Biology or related discipline (no more than 10 years old).
• Demonstrated skills in bioinformatics with genomic data sets
• At least basic skills in programming
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Knowledge of the theory and practice in taxonomy and/or phylogenetics

In addition, we value:

• Strong demonstrated skills in programming
• Proven track record of securing competitive research funding
• Taxonomic knowledge of sawflies/other hymenopterans

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team
• Opportunities to share your expertise and develop an international reputation
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits here.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close ones in settling into Oulu
• Development and career options of a big organization
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers
• Research that matters to the well-being of the planet
• A workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on level 5 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 3700-3900 € per month (before taxes).  

A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 17.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. CV, following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
2. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages). Summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here.
3. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland 
4. Certificates/Diplomas
5. Contact information of 2 persons available for recommendation (related to your research)

The top applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof. Marko Mutanen, Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, Faculty of Science, marko.mutanen@oulu.fi

1. Marko Mutanen, 0408246749