[Taxacom] Postdoc in Museomics/Ancient DNA Analyses

[Vladimir Gusarov]

PhD Research Fellowship (= PhD studentship) in Evolutionary Genomics and 
Zoology


Job description

A Postdoctoral Research fellow position in museomics/ancient DNA 
analyses is available at the Natural History Museum (NHM), University of 
Oslo, Norway. The position is part of the research group ‘Frontiers in 
Evolutionary Zoology (FEZ)‘. The appointment is a full time position and 
is made for a period of up to four years (25 % of which is devoted to 
required duties) with a starting date no later than 31.08.2020.

The complete text of the job announcement is available here: 
https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/179037/postdoc-in-museomics-ancient-dna-analyses 
.


More about the position

The research group ‘Frontiers in Evolutionary Zoology (FEZ)‘ at the NHM 
currently includes three senior scientists with curatorial 
responsibilities for invertebrate collections, two PhD students, as well 
as several Master students.

The Natural History Museum Oslo houses the largest natural history 
collections in Norway, and has the strategic goal of strengthening 
cutting edge research on collection material. To further strengthen NHM 
position in the field we seek a young and dynamic early stage researcher 
who implements and develops strategies and protocols for molecular 
approaches to analyze difficult collection material (e.g., samples that 
have been preserved in either formalin or other fixatives 
disadvantageous for DNA survival).

The successful candidate shall have a strong publication record and 
potential for collaboration with current NHM curators, especially from 
the FEZ research group. Senior scientists within FEZ focus on various 
topics including systematics, taxonomy, and molecular evolution of 
selected marine invertebrate groups, staphylinid beetles, and parasitic 
flatworms. Given the general topic of the position, the successful 
candidate is expected to also cooperate with other researchers at the 
institution. The position offers also the opportunity to actively 
develop own research projects. Hence, dedication to attract external 
funding is expected. The museum also plays a leading role in 
postgraduate education in biodiversity and systematics through ForBio – 
Research School in Biosystematics and the candidate will help 
strengthening our profile through teaching and supervision of PhD students.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are 
expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their 
fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in 
higher academic positions within their disciplines.


Qualification requirements

The applicants are required to have
- a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in biology or 
equivalent. For candidates not having finished their doctoral degree the 
doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing 
date of the call. An appointment is dependent on the defense of the 
doctoral thesis being approved
- a strong academic track record
- a strong background and practical experience in cutting edge molecular 
DNA methodology
- experiences in bioinformatic analyses of big genomic data sets
- team-working and networking skills
- fluent in English (written and spoken). Command of a Scandinavian 
language is an advantage


Desirable experience


Furthermore, the applicants have/are preferentially
- successfully acquired external funding for research projects
- experienced in having worked with natural history collections
- experienced in working with difficult templates for genetic analyses
- profound knowledge about systematics and taxonomy of invertebrates

Teaching and supervision skills of Master and PhD fellows is an advantage.


Evaluation of candidates will focus on the following:

Applications will be assessed with respect to the required 
qualifications. Candidates for the position will be selected in 
accordance with the NHM strategic goal of strengthening collection-based 
research, and are expected to be in the upper segment of their research 
field. Interviews will be used in the assessment and appointment 
process. In addition to scientific qualifications particular emphasis 
will be put on personal capacities, such as collaboration, communication 
and networking skills as well as potential for scientific leadership.


We offer:

- salary NOK 532 300 - 583 900 per year depending on qualification and 
seniority as PostDoc Research Fellow (position code 1352)
- challenging research questions and a friendly working environment
- full funding of the project research-related activities, including 
field work, lab work and presentation of results at international 
conferences
- membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- attractive welfare benefits


How to apply. The application must include the following:

The application must include (as separate and numbered documents):

1. An informative application/cover letter including a motivation 
statement for the position

2. A separate one-page statement explaining how this position fits the 
career plan and interests of the applicant

3. CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work, scientific 
publications and other relevant experience)

4. Copies of educational certificates and transcripts of records

5. List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to 
be considered by the evaluating committee

6. Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, affiliation, 
relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number). The references will 
be contacted if necessary. Letters of recommendation are therefore not 
required for the initial application.

7. A one-page research sketch that illustrates the applicant’s prospect 
of research development in the field
8. Pdf of PhD thesis (or equivalent) and potential publications and 
academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the 
evaluating committee

Applicants should deliver the application with the requested attachments 
(numbered as above) through our electronic recruiting system. Foreign 
applicants are advised to include an explanation of their University’s 
grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English 
or a Scandinavian language.

In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon 
educational and scientific merits and the maturity and potential of the 
candidates to complete the project successfully within the given time 
frame. Interviews with selected candidates will be arranged.


Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to 
Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at 
the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) 
information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant 
list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to 
secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in 
the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.


Contact information

About the position and project details: FEZ group leader: Professor Lutz 
Bachmann

About administrative questions and the application procedure: HR advisor 
Thomas Brånå


Deadline: 15.01.2020.


Apologies for cross-posting.

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Vladimir Gusarov, Ph.D.
Curator of Entomology
Department of Zoology
Natural History Museum
University of Oslo                           \\ /
P.O. Box 1172 Blindern                   ooooDD0-0C
NO-0318 Oslo                                 // \
Norway
Tel +47 22851703
Fax +47 22851837
email: vladimir.gusarov at nhm.uio.no

Visiting address (and non - P.O. Box address for courier deliveries):
Department of Zoology
Natural History Museum
University of Oslo
Sars Gate 1
NO-0562 Oslo
Norway

Insect collection: http://www.nhm.uio.no/english/research/nsi/collection/
Personal web page: 
http://www.nhm.uio.no/english/research/nsi/collection/gusarov/
Internet resources for Staphylinidae: 
http://www.nhm.uio.no/english/research/nsi/collection/gusarov/resources/

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