Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Metabarcoding and Environmental Monitoring
We announce a 36-month (3 year) postdoctoral research position at the Environment department of NORCE Norwegian Research Centre. Preferred start date for the position is June 1st, 2021.
The position is part of the MetaBridge project, a collaboration between NORCE, AZTI, University of Bergen, Auburn University, Equinor, Total and Lundin, funded by the Norwegian Research Council and industry partners. MetaBridge has the long-term aim to implement metabarcoding of benthic communities as a method for marine environmental monitoring of oil and gas extraction activities, and integrates scientific excellence with industry and regulatory stakeholders.
Specifically MetaBridge will deliver; (i) a greatly enhanced understanding of metabarcoding data characteristics and consistency based on a large-scale dataset correlated to existing monitoring parameters, necessary for regulator evaluation and data validation; (ii) a modular and validated predictive modelling tool with known performance characteristics for use in a real-life monitoring setting; (iii) publication of findings in relevant peer-reviewed journals (iv) showcase metabarcoding monitoring reports and comprehensive summary report with relevant information for further work towards regulatory implementation.
The postdoc will be integrated into the Molecular Ecology Research Group (MERG) at NORCE Environment in Bergen, Norway. The candidate will be involved in all scientific aspects of the project, including the generation and analysis of metabarcoding data from sediment samples, preparation of manuscripts for publication, and contributing toward synthesis of the project findings into a suggestion for a standard methodology and how this can be integrated in policy advice.
A successful candidate will have a firm background in environmental genomics, including meticulous molecular lab skills, experience with high-throughput sequencing data processing, be proficient in the use of e.g. R for ecological statistical analysis, and possess a documented interest in marine benthic invertebrate taxonomy. The recruitment position should bridge the areas of biotechnology, bioinformatics, molecular ecology, taxonomy, and management.
Work tasks
Your responsibilities are to generate and analyze DNA metabarcoding data from a large set of samples collected in the North Sea, Barents Sea and other parts of the ocean.
Specific work tasks include:
- Extraction, quantification and quality-assessment of DNA from marine sediments Metabarcoding library preparation for high-throughput sequencing
- Bioinformatic analysis of metabarcoding results
- Statistical analysis of metabarcoding results, including integration with other environmental parameters
- Interaction and communication with scientific partners and industry and policy stakeholders
- Publications in relevant, international peer-reviewed journals
Required qualifications
- A PhD degree in bioscience, bioinformatics, molecular taxonomy, molecular ecology or other relevant field
- Hands-on experience with high-throughput sequence data generation and analysis (metabarcoding and/or metagenomics)
- Expertise with multivariate statistical tools for ecological analysis in e.g. R
- Expertise with marine benthic fauna
Desired qualifications
- Interest in marine policy and management
- Meticulous laboratory and organizational skills
- Balance teamwork and independent work
- Good communication skills across disciplines
- Proficient in both written and spoken English
We can offer
- A unique opportunity to strengthen an enthusiastic research group working across disciplines
- A stimulating and professionally challenging working environment
- Possibility to influence your own work, work-time and choice of solutions
- Excellent welfare benefits
How to apply
Your application must include:
- A brief account of your research interests and specific motivation for applying (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae (with publication list)
- Names and contact details for at least two references with whom you have worked directly
- Relevant diplomas and certificates. If a PhD thesis has not yet been awarded: an official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has been submitted.
Please note that the application and appendices with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded together with your application to the recruitment portal Jobbnorge.
For additional information about the position, you can contact Dr. Jon Hestetun (jhes@norceresearch.no) or HR advisor Julia Dale (jdal@norceresearch.no)
Application deadline: February 28th, 2021
About NORCE Environment
NORCE Environment conducts basic and applied research in fields such as ecosystem assessment and mitigation of environmental impact. Our vision is to develop and deliver knowledge-based solutions that promote ecologically sound resource policy and management innovation.
