Molecular Ecology and
Fisheries Genetics Laboratory
http:// biology.bangor.ac.uk/research/mefgl
School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH OFFICER IN MOLECULAR
ECOLOGY (ref: 08-7/111) –Starting salary: £21,478 R&A Grade 1A
Population structure of cod around the UK: scale, mechanisms and dynamics
Applications are invited for a 19 month Postdoctoral Research Officer in Molecular Ecology
to work in the Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory (MEFGL)
(http://biology.bangor.ac.uk/research/mefgl/) at Bangor to investigate population genetic
structure and the development of spatially-resolved population models for cod (Gadus
morhua) in UK and NW European coastal waters. The appointee will be primarily responsible
for the development and screening of cod populations using single nucleotide polymorphisms,
(SNPs) to assess levels of structuring. Data will be integrated with partner results from
microsatellites, tagging studies, and otolith microchemistry to generate spatially resolved
population dynamics models that address specific hypotheses of stock connectivity and
assessment of fisheries implications. The appointee will also assist the Bangor team in
coordinating the 7-partner consortium comprising fish and fisheries biologists, geneticists,
and representatives of the fishing sectors.
The successful candidate should have experience in the application of molecular
tools, in particular SNPs and/or microsatellites, and familiarity with analysis of molecular
genetic data. The candidate will have a Ph.D. in molecular ecology, with research interests in
population genetic structure, fisheries genetics or related topics. Furthermore, good
communication, presentation skills and a strong commitment to timely publication of results
will be essential.
The Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group at Bangor is organized into 2 main
areas: The Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory (MEFGL), and the
Molecular Ecology and Evolution of Reptiles Unit. Both laboratories share common
molecular facilities, group meetings and office space. The MEFGL team currently comprises
30 scientists engaged in projects focusing on the population and species biodiversity of
primarily aquatic animals, providing a dynamic interactive environment. It is housed in the
new, £8 million Environment Centre Wales, comprising a suite of fully integrated molecular
laboratories including a 96 lane ABI automated sequencer/genotyper and a Beckman-Coulter
capillary sequencer, an ABI 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR system, wide range of thermal
cyclers and associated support, and a new dedicated ancient DNA facility. Bioinformatic
facilities are enhanced by a Biowulf cluster and server, with a new bioinformatics suite
located adjacent to the molecular laboratories.
Applications, Interviews and Informal Enquiries
Application forms and further particulars should be obtained by contacting Human Resources,
Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DG; tel: (01248) 382926/388132; e-mail:
personnel@bangor.ac.uk, quoting 08-7/111 closing date for applications is February 22nd
2008. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 5 March 2008. Informal enquiries can be made
by contacting Professor Gary Carvalho (g.r.carvalho@bangor.ac.uk; +44(0)1248382100)), or
Dr Martin Taylor (m.taylor@bangor.ac.uk; +44-1248382344.