Hólar University, Iceland, seeks a Post-doctoral fellow for a Grant of Excellence (RANNIS) project to study the dynamics of Ecological (ECO), Evolutionary (EVO) and Developmental (DEVO) processes

The phenotype is an important determinant of the dynamic interactions between ecological and evolutionary processes. We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral candidate to study the interplay among ECO, EVO and DEVO including 1) the dual role of ecology in evolution (as driver of natural selection and phenotypic plasticity), 2) the molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation, and 3) the feedbacks between phenotypic change and ecosystem function (eco-evolutionary dynamics). The project uses threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from lake Mývatn, Iceland, as a model. The project is led by Prof. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson (lead PI, Hólar University College, Iceland) and Dr. Katja Räsänen (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences, Eawag, Switzerland). It is part of a large collaboration across Hólar University (Prof. Skúli Skúlason), Eawag (Dr. Blake Matthews), Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (Prof. Anthony R. Ives), Univ. of Iceland (Prof. Zophonías O. Jónsson) and the Mývatn research station (Dr. Árni Einarsson).

The postdoctoral fellow will study spatial and temporal dynamics of selection in nature, integrating our long-term data on phenotypic variation with analyses of population genetic structure over space and time. This project is an integral part of our integrative study that combines experiments (laboratory, mesocosm and field) and genomics tools (transcriptomics and genomics) with mathematical modelling. The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to develop the focus of their work, will be encouraged to further develop their research career, e.g. by opportunities in developing spin off projects, and through student supervision.

Location: The candidate will be based at the Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology (DAFB – http://holar.is/en/department_of_aquaculture_and_fish_biology) at Hólar University (HU, North Iceland). The candidate is also offered the opportunity to spend time at the institutes of the collaborators. HU is situated in the beautiful village of Hólar (Skagafjördur), with offices and research laboratories in the nearby town Sauðárkrókur. DAFB is an active research centre, where the postdoc is part of a dynamic international team of graduate students and faculty. The beautiful natural setting and central location in North of Iceland, allow both outdoor and cultural activities.

Requirements: The candidate must hold a PhD degree in Ecology, Evolution, Development or related disciplines. An ideal candidate should have a strong interest in evolutionary ecology, a solid background in molecular genetics and statistical analyses (ideally on long-term data sets), have a shown ability to publish her/his own findings, enjoy working in a dynamic group, and have experience from field work and working on large data sets. The candidate has to be able to work independently as well as a part of a team.

The working language is English. A valid driving license is a requirement.

This is a 100% position for three years. Salary is in accordance with the current collective wage and salary agreement between the relevant union, and the Minister of Finance. Rights and obligations follow the Act 70/1996 on the Rights and Obligations of Civil Servants.

Applicants should send an application letter, labelled with their name and the code ‘PD1’, with a statement of research interests and relevant experience (max. 2 pages), curriculum vitae with a list of publications, copies of academic qualifications and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees, as a single pdf to ecoevodevo@holar.is. The positions are open until filled and suitable candidates will be interviewed on regular basis until the position is filled.

For further information contact Bjarni K. Kristjánsson (Head of the Dept. of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar Univ) (bjakk@holar.is) or Dr. Katja Räsänen (katja.rasanen@eawag.ch).