Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Genomics
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated researcher for a postdoctoral fellowship in marine population genomics.
The position
This is a two-year full-time position that starts on November 1st 2024, or as soon as possible hereafter. Pay and conditions of employment are according to the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Association of Academics in the Faroe Islands (Akademikarafelag Føroya, AKF). The position will be based at the University of the Faroe Islands, with possible research visits at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland.
About the project
The North Atlantic and Arctic are experiencing drastic and rapid environmental change that impacts the distribution and abundance of marine species. Temperate cetaceans, including white-beaked and white-sided dolphins and long-finned pilot whales, are currently shifting their range into Arctic waters. Those species are hunted for subsistence in the Faroe Islands and Greenland. However, their population structure in the North Atlantic and Arctic is not resolved, preventing identification of stocks and recommendations for sustainable harvesting. The postdoc project will use whole genome sequencing on an exceptional set of samples collected by collaborators across ten countries to i) resolve the population structure, connectivity and local adaptation of the species in the North Atlantic, ii) reconstruct their responses to past climate change to better predict their future and iii) assess their genetic vulnerability. The goal is to provide a scientific basis for sustainable traditional use of these marine resources.
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to carry out
● Laboratory work (DNA extractions), bioinformatics treatment of the data and data analysis to infer population structure, local adaptation, demographic history and genomic vulnerability,
● Write manuscripts for international peer-reviewed journals and be involved in preparing papers and reports for meetings on the management of the studied cetaceans.
You will be working with Dr Sunnvør í Kongsstovu at the University of the Faroe Islands to help establish and develop expertise in population genomics at the Faculty of Science and Technology. You will work in close collaboration with Dr Morten Tange Olsen at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen and Dr Outi Tervo and Dr Marie Louis at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. You will also interact with international collaborators involved in the project.
You will be involved in an international research project which strives for scientific excellence and will also have practical applications for management. You will gain experience in population genomics and bioinformatics. You will have the opportunity to disseminate the results to the scientific community at international conferences, to stakeholders at meetings for the management of the dolphin/whale species in the North Atlantic, and to the society. You will have access to all facilities required for the project (lab, high-end computing cluster). You will have the opportunity to visit the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland, but it is not a requirement. If you have an interest in education, it would be possible to be involved in teaching and student supervision.
Qualifications
● Ph.D. in biology, population genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field.
● Experience in genomics, population genetics, whole genome data analysis and strong bioinformatics skills (working in a Unix environment).
● Strong publication record demonstrating research excellence.
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
● Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to scientific outreach and engagement.
The position will be filled according to the Regulations Governing Positions at the University of the Faroe Islands, which are available here. Good language skills in Faroese, Scandinavian and English are preferred.
Application, Deadline and Contact
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of research interests (maximum 2 pages) outlining how their expertise aligns with the project objectives.
Application, CV, and relevant documents must be submitted here no later than July 31st 2024. Interviews will be held in September. You are welcome to contact Sunnvør í Kongsstovu (sunnvork@setur.fo or +298 292565), Marie Louis (marie.louis@natur.gl), Morten Tange Olsen (morten.olsen@sund.ku.dk), or Outi Tervo (outi@ghsdk.dk) for more information about the position.
About the University of the Faroe Islands
The University of the Faroe Islands is the primary higher education and research institution in the Faroe Islands, the nation’s only university and its foremost knowledge centre. The University undertakes research and provides research-based teaching of international standing. The University is comprised of five faculties and a central administration with more than 25 degree programmes, over 1,000 students, around 140 academic staff and 40 administrative and support services staff.
The University of the Faroe Islands promotes and contributes to a sustainable and innovative societal development, and plays a vital role within Faroese society, providing a scientific foundation for the country’s cultural, societal, and industrial activities.
The University is primarily funded by the government and is an independent public institution governed by its own Board of Directors. It organises its own activities according to the framework laid down by the 2008 Faroese Parliamentary Act on the University of the Faroe Islands with subsequent amendments. The University is committed to the principles of the Magna Charta Universitatum and protects and fosters academic freedom of the individual researcher, encouraging collaboration, critical discussion, and inquisitive and impartial pursuits for new information and knowledge.
In all that it does, the University is committed to equality of opportunity, to inclusivity, and to supporting the well-being of our students and staff in an environment in which all can thrive and flourish.