Postdoctoral Researcher in Genomic Analysis of Herring

The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency with a mission from the government to promote knowledge, research, and interest in our world. The agency is a prominent research institution and Sweden's largest museum. For over 200 years, the museum has collected objects and data and conducted research on life on Earth. The collections contain more than 11 million plants, animals, fungi, environmental samples, minerals, and fossils. All research and knowledge are shared in exhibitions, Cosmonova, and activities at the museum and digitally.

The Unit for Population Analysis and Monitoring carries out assignments for several authorities and organizations. The unit consists of several working groups that monitor both marine and terrestrial mammals and conduct a large number of genetic analyses. The unit conducts research and monitoring of harbor porpoises and seals on behalf of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management and monitoring of bears, golden eagles, and arctic foxes on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The genetic analyses are performed by the Centre for Genetic Identification (CGI) for various stakeholders in nature and environmental conservation and encompass a wide range of questions.

We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher for work on the analysis of genomic data from herring within a FORMAS project.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The main task of the project is to process and analyze ~100 genomes from the Baltic harbor seal (Pusa hispida) to assess their population structure, demographic history, and adaptation patterns. Based on these results, diagnostic markers will be developed and genotyped for ~400 seals from the Bothnian Bay population. Simulations will also be used to assess the future effects of climate change and hunting methods on seal populations.

Data processing will involve the use of bioinformatics tools and pipelines developed for large genomic datasets to map raw data and sequence variants, including point mutations and structural variants. Data analyses will include assessing population differentiation, quantifying gene flow, reconstructing past population history, estimating inbreeding and genetic load, and identifying potential adaptive loci. Based on these results, the successful candidate will develop diagnostic markers for long-term genomic monitoring of the species (i.e., structure, gene flow, population size estimation). Finally, the project will use species distribution modeling (e.g., Maxent) with current and future environmental variables and current occurrence data to assess the future distribution of the Baltic harbor seal. The project will also use genome-based simulations (e.g., SLIM) to investigate genomic responses to ocean warming and related changes in environmental conditions. The candidate is expected to prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact international journals and present results at national and/or international conferences. Since this project is funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the candidate and the principal investigator (Dr. Nicolas Dussex) will participate in regular meetings with a reference group from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and various stakeholders to assess milestones and present the project's progress.

The project will also involve modern sampling of tissue from NRM's environmental sample bank, DNA extraction, and genotyping with the help of the principal investigator and co-investigators. Historical samples may also be obtained from the museum's collections.

The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own research ideas and apply for their own funding (e.g., Marie Curie, Swedish Research Council) to build on this project or their own projects, with the help of the principal investigator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements:

PhD in evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, genetics, or bioinformatics, obtained within the last three years.
Experience in processing large modern datasets using bioinformatics pipelines
Experience in handling whole genome datasets (WGS), population genomic analyses (e.g., PCA, selection tests, inbreeding, and genetic load estimation)
Experience in statistical analyses
Good command of English in both spoken and written form

Desirable:

Experience in species distribution modeling (SDM) and genome-informed simulations (e.g., SLiM)
Experience in laboratory work, including DNA extraction
Experience in preparing sequencing libraries from modern and historical material
Good command of Swedish or another Scandinavian language

To succeed in the role, you plan, organize, and prioritize your work effectively and build structures that others can also work from. You set and meet deadlines. You identify, manage, and follow up on details in your work and perform tasks thoroughly. You pay attention to others' views and expertise in a way that benefits the whole. You contribute to clarifying the group's tasks in a way that benefits the entire group and develop relationships. You share your knowledge.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the position
a CV describing your skills and expertise, including contact information for at least two references.

OTHER

Our goal is to demonstrate the way to increased knowledge and action through research and public activities, so that together we can contribute to a sustainable and bright future. Our long-term aim is for the employees of the Swedish Museum of Natural History to reflect the diversity that exists in Sweden. We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, background, origin, and ability.

In preparation for the recruitment process, we have considered recruitment channels and marketing. Therefore, we kindly ask not to be contacted by media sellers, recruitment sites, or similar.