Job Description
Job Title:
Three Postdoctoral Researchers in Evolutionary and
Environmental Genomics
Faculty/Department:
School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental
Sciences
Reporting to:
Dr Dave Lunt
Duration:
8 months
Job Family:
Academic
Pay Band:
7
Benchmark Profile:
DBS Disclosure requirement:
No
Vacancy Reference:
FS0210
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
High throughput sequencing has revolutionised the detail with which we can monitor
biodiversity and understand the ecology of species. EvoHull, the University of Hull
Evolutionary and Environmental Genomics Group has recently been awarded
substantial internal investment to further develop our capabilities, with a major focus on
eDNA and metabarcoding. This investment includes funding for the three posts
advertised here, and an Illumina MiSeq High Throughput Sequencer including
consumables budget.
Our dynamic and friendly group includes academic members of staff with interests
including eDNA, molecular food webs, metabarcoding and bioinformatics, as well as
whole genome analyses, and we currently have 5 PhD students working on eDNA, and
3 Post-Docs working on molecular food webs and development of streamlined
reproducible bioinformatics pipelines for analyses of data from metabarcoding/genome
projects. Our labs are well equipped for sensitive, high throughput molecular analyses,
and include a dedicated eDNA laboratory (for minimizing contamination risk), and qPCR
and Illumina MiSeq machines. We are looking for three additional post-doctoral
researchers for the following posts:
(1) Postdoctoral researcher: Revolutionising biomonitoring of entire freshwater
communities with environmental DNA
We have recently developed a pipeline for sampling, DNA capture, metabarcoding and
bioinformatics analysis of eDNA for monitoring of fish in large lakes (funded by the
Environment Agency, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Natural Resources
Wales, and in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology). The successful
candidate will develop and improve the methods for lake fish biomonitoring, for example
by carrying out temporal sampling at our study sites, testing the method along an
ecological gradient, and using site occupancy modeling to further improve estimates of
abundance. The post-holder must also be prepared to carry out field work (water
sampling) in remote parts of the UK including Cumbria, and potentially Scotland and
Wales.
(2) Postdoctoral researcher: Molecular food webs for sustainable fisheries
management
This project will work closely with stakeholder groups such as the Holderness Fishing
Industry Group and Scottish Whitefish Producers Association to integrate
metabarcoding technology into fisheries management. The successful candidate will
further develop the metabarcoding protocols we are using in the laboratory for gut
content analysis of lobsters (Homarus gammarus and Nephrops norvegicus), with a
view to incorporating the information into stock assessment models, but also invasives
such as the killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus).
(3) Experimental Officer: This post will include oversight, coordination and
development of a range of projects in evolutionary and environmental genomics. The
successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of PhD
student, postdoc, and external collaborator projects and may additionally develop their
own ideas in collaboration with staff. This is a short term post in the first instance, with a
view to extending the post longer term.
Job requirements: These are short-term (to July 2016) positions that require expertise
in molecular methods including DNA extraction, PCR, and ideally next generation
sequencing (e.g. metabarcoding). An interest and some experience in data analyses
including bioinformatics and R would be advantageous. The post-holders will join a
dynamic, research team and must be able to work productively in highly collaborative
manner with the academics, post docs, students and support staff. Given the short-term
nature of the contracts, excellent time management is essential.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Main Work Activities
● Molecular laboratory work including: DNA capture and extraction, PCR,
electrophoresis, preparation of libraries for metabarcoding, running of Illumina
MiSeq (all posts)
● Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of metabarcoding data (all posts)
● Sampling of water from remote locations e.g. Cumbrian Lakes, by boat and from
shore line (PDRA 1: eDNA)
● Writing up experiments for publication in peer-reviewed journals (all posts)
● Attending meetings with stakeholders and academic collaborators as required (all
posts)
● Collaborating with other members of the group (academic staff, other post docs,
PhD and undergraduate students) (all posts)
● Managing and developing multiple projects in Evolutionary and Environmental
Genomics (Experimental Officer)
Additionally the post holder will be required to:



Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety
policies and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within
the department. May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on
request e.g. Display screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire
warden
Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory
practices This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Specification
Education and Training
Formal qualifications and
relevant training
Work Experience
Ability to undertake duties
of the post
Skills and Knowledge
Includes abilities and
intellect
Essential
Desirable
PhD in relevant
discipline (e.g.
evolutionary
biology, ecology,
population
genetics,
genomics)
Examples
Measured
by
Application
Interview
Other
Previous work
experience of
using molecular
tools to answer
ecological and/or
evolutionary
questions
Published track
record of
research in
relevant topic.
Application
Interview
Other
Experience in
DNA-based tools
and data
analysis.
Experience of
next generation
sequencing,
bioinformatics
pipelines and
relevant
statistical tools
(e.g. R)
Application
Interview
Other
Excellent abilities
in critical thought
and
understanding of
science
underlying major
questions in
evolutionary and
environmental
genomics
Personal Qualities
Includes any specific
physical requirements of
the post – (subject to the
provisions of the Equality
Act 2010)
Highly motivated
team player,
likely to work
productively in
highly
collaborative
manner with the
academics, post
docs, students
and support staff.
Ability to prioritise
and meet
deadlines
Excellent skills in Application
collaboration and Interview
communication of Other
science.
Ability to start in
timely manner,
take initiative and
provide guidance
to other
researchers