Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Company

University of Edinburgh

Job description

Job DescriptionGrade UE07: £40,497 to £48,149 per annumInstitute of Ecology and Evolution / School of Biological Sciences / College of Sciences and EngineeringFull time: 35 hours per weekFixed Term: for 35 monthsWe are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Genomics and Metagenomics of Population DeclinesThis post is being re-advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.The Opportunity:We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on a NERC-funded project on the interactions of host and microbiomes during population declines as seen through the lens of genomics. The post-holder’s main task is to conduct research on host-microbiome interactions during population declines by bioinformatically analysing low-coverage host genomic data from museum specimens of several mammalian species. You will contribute to sampling of museum-preserved specimens of mammalian hosts and associated oral microbiomes (dental calculus) in natural history collections, and will have the opportunity to process in the samples in the ancient DNA lab. The applicant should have a PhD in population genomics, evolutionary genomics, or a related subject. The ideal candidate will have extensive bioinformatics experience with low-quality, low-coverage whole genome data from non-model organisms. Expertise in ancient DNA analyses, imputations, hologenomics or multi-omics frameworks would be an asset. The applicant will complete high quality original research and will disseminate the data in refereed papers, conference presentations and seminars. We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive individual. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently are important.Your skills and attributes for success:

• Extensive previous experience in population genomics analyses of low-quality, low-coverage whole genome datasets (e.g. ancient DNA), ideally in wild, non-model organisms
• Extensive bioinformatics experience with large-scale datasets, use of computer clusters, and appropriate statistical analyses
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills to drive success working both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Expertise & training in one or more of the following: Molecular biology techniques, particularly applied to degraded, historical or ancient samples; conservation genomics analyses; metagenomics analyses; multi-omics or hologenomics analyses

Click to view a copy of the full job description(opens new browser tab)As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages(opens new browser tab).The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 27 March 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.Interviews will be held in early April 2025.About UsAs a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the TeamAs the modern inheritors of our 400-year-old reputation for excellence, our staff and students contribute to a vibrant academic community whose visions are shaping tomorrow’s world. The School of Biological Sciences is at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation. Independent rankings such as the Times Higher Education consistently place us amongst the top 25 universities in the world for biological sciences. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and to recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development opportunities for all staff. We place a particular focus on development for early-career researchers (postgraduate and postdoctoral research staff and personal fellowship holders), offering mentoring and an active ‘BioDocSoc’ organisation that brings together researchers for networking, events and training opportunities.The School of Biological Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.Our website contains more information about the School.

Expected salary

£40497 – 48149 per year

Location

Edinburgh

Job date

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:31:19 GMT

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