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Postdoctoral Fellow in Tropical Seascape Genetics

Bron: HR Team

Postdoctoral Fellow in Tropical Seascape Genetics

Postdoctoral Fellow in Tropical Seascape Genetics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The University of Aruba, in collaboration with KU Leuven (Belgium), and facilitated with funding from the European Development Fund (EDF), set up the SISSTEM (Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, and Engineering (STEM)) program. This program includes a Bachelor's program and research center in bio-environmental engineering, technology, engineering, informatics, and data sciences. We invite scholars to apply for a 15-month postdoctoral fellowship on:

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN TROPICAL SEASCAPE GENETICS (1 fte.)


The Tropical Seascape Genetics is embedded in the SISSTEM program (University of Aruba) and the Division ‘Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation’ (KU Leuven). Marine science in the perspective of small islands offers excellent prospects for a career, especially during the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030. We are looking for a motivated, and internationally oriented colleague with an excellent research record and a sound appreciation for research and outreach in a small island context.

Research assignment:
The research profile focuses on advanced expertise in seascape genetics to investigate research questions at the interface of marine evolution and global change biology. More specifically the candidate will determine the ecological and evolutionary interdependency of populations by studying the genetic structure and connectivity of tropical corals in the environmental context of the Southern Caribbean Sea (Southern Antilles). You genotype four coral taxa with high throughput genetic tools and analyze connectivity patterns with an individual- and population-based statistical models. The study will result in advice on the conservation management of coral reefs fitting in a context of regional anthropogenic impact. The position is funded by the European Union.

The candidate is expected to further develop the analysis of high-throughput microsatellite genotypes with biostatistical tools, and prepare high-quality scientific publications. You will be supported in your research by colleagues skilled in molecular tools and data analysis, and in the oceanographic and biological context of tropical research. Scientific, societal, and internal services are an integral part of the assignment. 

The ideal candidate:

  • Is an excellent, internationally oriented researcher and strengthens a research program at the forefront of seascape genomics;
  • Brings complementary and/or new expertise in ecological and evolutionary genomics;
  • Strengthens current research lines by working closely with UA and KU Leuven staff;
  • Publishes at the highest scientific level in the top 5% journals of her/his research field;
  • Is an inspiring team player and can work independently;
  • Teaches and supervises bachelor's and master's students;
  • Strives for excellence in research and provides a contribution to the international research reputation of SISSTEM and LBEG.

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Marine Science, Oceanography, Molecular Ecology, or related disciplines.
  • Well acquainted with molecular ecology.
  • Intermediate to excellent programming skills.
  • Skilled in academic teaching.
  • Holds adequate diving certification.
  • Has indisputable research integrity.
  • The quality of the research can be proven by publications in leading international top 5% journals.
  • International research experience is an important advantage.
  • Has excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

The appointment is expected to start on June 1, 2022. 
 

We offer full-time employment in an intellectually challenging environment, in an exciting EU-funded project for a one 15 months contract. The selected candidate will work in Aruba and Leuven and is embedded in the SISSTEM teaching and outreach program at the UA. The UA is a small and ambitious university with a pleasant working environment with around 600 students that is in full development. The small scale of our organization requires a flexible mindset to deploy a variety of activities with the possibility of conducting scientific research. The contract provides an attractive benefits package including APFA pension, additional health insurance, and a competitive wage. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out both fundamental and applied scientific research. Our universities are highly inter-and multidisciplinary-focused and strive for international excellence. We offer state-of-the-art access to databases, statistical expertise, and computational facilities.

Interested? Submit through the Apply button on the right before Monday, May 2, 2022, your motivation letter, resume, a summary of your Ph.D. thesis, a short commentary on your 5 most significant publications, evidence of accomplished skills and competencies, and contact details of 3 reference persons with full addresses. Interviews will be organized in the second half of April 2022. 

If you need further information regarding the position, please contact prof. Eric Mijts (UA) via email eric.mijts@ua.aw. and/or prof. Filip Volckaert (KU Leuven) via email filip.volckaert@kuleuven.be. One (or more) job interviews, a medical exam, an assessment test, and a certificate of good conduct are in accordance with our rules of application and a standard part of our recruitment and selection procedure.   

 

 

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