2-year postdoc position for studying pollinator decline using genomics and environmental DNA

The Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a postdoc position.

Research area and project description

We are currently witnessing a decline in species richness and abundance for certain insect groups, of which pollinators is a key example. However, the magnitude, timing and potential drivers of the decline is debated. We are now seeking a highly motivated postdoc to play a leading role in a project exploring these uncertainties through new molecular methods and sample types. The project will investigate: i) population size history of selected insect/pollinator species using genome-wide SNP data from modern samples; ii) historical change in resource use for declining pollinators using metabarcoding of pollen from museum and modern specimens as well as historical plant maps; and iii) variation in current pollinator networks using eDNA metabarcoding of flower samples and pollen along gradients in floral composition and habitat disturbance. 

The position is available from 1st of June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is for 2 years. There will also be opportunities for developing own research ideas related to molecular ecology in collaboration with the group. The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

The candidate will become part of an expanding research group on molecular ecology and environmental DNA, and the current project provides good opportunities for synergies with the Centre for EcoGenetics, where the effect of insect decline on genetic diversity is being investigated (http://ecogenetics.au.dk). 

Qualifications and Competences

Applicants must have a PhD degree or equivalent or have submitted their PhD thesis for assessment before the application deadline. We seek a candidate with an overall interest in the research topic of insect decline, good collaborative skills, and experience with:

• Scientific publishing and project management within molecular ecology and/or genomics
• Bioinformatics and statistical analyses of next-generation sequencing data, particularly genomic data and DNA metabarcoding data.
• Ecological data analyses, hereunder experience with R
• DNA laboratory work (preferably eDNA, historical samples and/or ancient DNA)
• Field work

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of his/her research projects in coordination with other members of the group and will be actively involved in the training and co-supervision of other staff members and students.

Place of Employment and Work

The postdoc will become an integrated part of the environmental DNA group led by Associate Professor Philip Francis Thomsen, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers within Aarhus University, as well as internationally. The place of employment and work is Section for Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted online and received by 31 March 2023

Previously submitted applications will be taken into consideration unless they are withdrawn

 Contact information

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact: Philip Francis Thomsen (pfthomsen@bio.au.dk)