Postdoctoral Research Associate

at  University of Edinburgh

FIXED TERM: FOR 36 MONTHS

Start date 1 st March 2025
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Genomics and Metagenomics of Population Declines.
This post is 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 host genomic and metagenomic 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, metagenomics, or a related subject. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated and proactive individual with strong skills in bioinformatics and experience working with low-quality genomics data. Expertise in ancient DNA analyses would also be useful. The applicant will complete high quality original research and will disseminate the data in refereed papers, conference presentations and seminars. 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:

• Strong knowledge of population genetics theory and previous demonstrated experience in population genomics analyses, 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 teamExpertise & training in one or more of the following: Molecular biology techniques, particularly applied to degraded, historical or ancient samples; conservation genomics analyses of low-quality samples and datasets, metagenomics analyses; multi-omics or hologenomics analyses
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