Postdoctoral Researcher in accelerated DNA-based 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 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: A Genomic Blueprint for the Description of Thousands of New Species. The project is funded by the Research Council of Finland for the period of 2024-2028.

Position description

We will hire one (1) research-oriented, broad-minded, talented and hard-working person to carry out post-doctoral research in the project of “A Genomic Blueprint for the Description of Thousands of New Species”. Our international research team will find solutions to the taxonomic impediment by developing approaches to dramatically accelerate species descriptions by taking advantage of high-throughput DNA sequencing tools. The research will focus on DNA-barcoded samples of Costa Rican gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), which represent a massively diverse and taxonomically ‘dark’ group of insects. The goal is to showcase how thousands of new species of gall midges can be described in a scientifically rigorous manner, and hence point the way towards a genomics-based future of taxonomy in similar “dark” taxa.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research a three-year fixed-term, publish research results in international journals, present research in international conferences, and contribute to developing efficient approaches to overcome the taxonomic impediment. A research visit to the Canadian Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (Guelph, Ontario) is foreseeable. 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 other core team members include Prof. Michael Sharkey (U. Kentucky, USA), Prof. Daniel H. Janzen and Dr Winnie Hallwachs (U. Pennsylvania, USA), Prof. Paul Hebert, Sujeevan Ratnasingham and Dr. Evgeny Zakharov (U. Guelph, Canada), Dr Brian Brown (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, USA), Prof. Jaakko Pohjoismäki (UEF, Finland) and MSc Niina Kiljunen (U. Oulu, Finland).

Position requirements

We are searching for candidate with the following skills:

• Doctoral degree in Bioinformatics or Biology (or related discipline). The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago.
• 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

In addition, we value:

• Knowledge on the theory and practice in taxonomy and/or phylogenetics
• Strong demonstrated skills in programming
• Proven track record of securing competitive research funding 

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of about 15 people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• 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 the big organisation.
• 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. 
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable 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 the 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 in the position.

How to apply?

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

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. Cover 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

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