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Postdoc in Taxonomy of marine invertebrates
The Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, (https://www.gu.se/en/marina-vetenskaper) combines extensive scientific competence with unique infrastructure to provide the most complete environment for marine science and education in Sweden. It is one of only a few such organisations in Europe. By integrating advanced research infrastructure with a strong link to societal needs and challenges, the Department contributes with new solutions to global ocean challenges.
The Department of Marine Sciences conducts research, education, and innovation related to the science of the ocean and its resources. Its activities are based in Gothenburg, at two research stations (Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, and Tjärnö Marine Laboratory), and on the research vessel Skagerak. The Department has an interdisciplinary scope that encompasses marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, preservation of marine cultural heritage, and oceanography, working in all marine habitats from shallow bays and coastal seas to the open oceans. Our scientists and students often play leading roles in international collaborative research, including expeditions to Polar regions and the great seas of the world, as well as in our newly built laboratories with advanced equipment and complex analytical techniques. The Department also offers a wide range of undergraduate courses, a Bachelor’s degree, three Master's degrees, and a Ph. D. programme, all within marine sciences.
Subject area
Taxonomy of marine invertebrates
Subject area description
Opening a postdoc position in annelid taxonomy at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, (Strömstad, University of Gothenburg). This position is part of a project funded by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative entitled “Taxonomy and Systematics of Swedish Terebellidae (Annelida)”. The purpose of this project is to know the diversity of the polychaete family Terebellidae sensu lato in Sweden. To achieve this goal, an inventory will be conducted combining field sampling and natural history collections. This will cover all Swedish waters of the distribution of this family. The postdoc will conduct systematic revisions by integrating molecular and morphological methods.
Duties
The postdoc will be responsible for conducting the inventory of Terebellidae in Swedish waters. This will include collecting specimens during fieldwork and through a citizen science program as well as study all relevant museum material available of the group. Assessment of species diversity will be done via DNA sequencing (megabarcoding with oxford nanopore and whole genome sequencing). The species found will be redescribed or described as new when needed in targeted publications. The postdoc will participate in national and international conferences and meetings as well as in outreach activities.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.
In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Assessment criteria
Required qualifications:
- To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree in marine biology, ecology, zoology or related field.
- The applicant must demonstrate expertise in taxonomy, in particular molecular species delimitation and detailed state-of-the-art morphological species descriptions. This will be assessed based on published peer-reviewed publications.
- The applicant must demonstrate excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English, assessed based on peer-reviewed publications and participation in international conferences.
Desirable qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in annelid taxonomy, in particular Terebellidae.
- Demonstrated experience in fieldwork at sea and faunistic inventories.
- Demonstrated experience with whole genome sequencing and analyses.
- Demonstrated experience in different microscopy techniques such as SEM.
- Demonstrated experience in different illustration techniques that are essential for state-of-the-art species descriptions.
The final candidate will be selected through a combined assessment of the outlined desirable qualifications, but weight will also be put on personal qualifications that are important for a successful implementation of the project.
Employment
The employment is a fixed-term employment for 2 years with the possibility for extension of maximum 1 year, 100% of full time and placed at the Department of Marine Science at Tjärnö marine laboratory, Strömstad. Starting date is upon agreement, but at the earliest 15th of July 2025.
Selection process
The highest-ranking candidates will be invited for an online interview. Interviews will take place on the 25th or 26th of June.
Contact information
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr Arne Nygren, +46761961158
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Sofie Emanuelsson (human resources officer), [email protected]
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
The application should be written in English and must include:
- A cover letter (max. one A4 page)
- A CV
- Certificate of PhD exam
- Complete list of publications, including submitted and accepted manuscripts
- Other documents deemed important by the applicant
Contact information for at least two referees that are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications (e-mail address and phone number)
Applications must be received by: 15th of June
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
