Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology

Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection

University of Lodz

will employ

post-doc (adjunct researcher)

DESCRIPTION:

A candidate has to meet the requirements of article 113 and article 116 of the Act of 20 July 2018 ‒ Law on Higher Education and Science (The Official Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668, with amendments) and the Statute of the University of Lodz, taking into account article 246 section 5 of the Act of 3 July 2018 – Regulations introducing the Act Law on Higher Education and Science (The Official Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1669).

We are looking for a researcher who demonstrates excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, as well as strong motivation and positive energy. The winner of the competition will be involved in the international Biodiversa+ project entitled: ‘Innovating transnational aquatic biodiversity monitoring using high-throughput DNA tools and automated image recognition’ (DNAquaIMG), contract number UMO-2023/05/Y/NZ9/00095 (https://dnaquaimg.eu/). The aim of the project is to improve knowledge of biodiversity and the response of biotic assemblages to changes in freshwater ecosystems by implementing modern methods, i.e. DNA (meta)barcoding and automatic image recognition, into existing freshwater monitoring procedures in Europe under the Water Framework Directive. The winner of the competition will carry out research tasks on barcoding and metabarcoding of benthic invertebrates and diatoms, including planning and conducting a validation test of molecular analysis protocols (so-called lab ring-test). In addition, the hired person will be involved in the design and preparation of reports and publications based on the results obtained.

REQUIREMENTS:

The candidate should meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a PhD degree recognized in Poland obtained in 2018 or later[1] in the field of biology, genetics, or a related field;
2. Be fluent in written and spoken English;
3. Have experience working in a molecular biology laboratory in barcoding and metabarcoding (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, preparation of libraries, sequencing);
4. Have experience in the generation and analysis of genomic data;
5. Have good interpersonal skills, experience in working as part of a research team, be able to work independently.

Additional advantages are:

- experience in the use of laboratory protocols in the field of molecular biology (DNA extraction, PCR, DNA libraries);

- proficiency in carrying out molecular, ecological and statistical analyses;

- knowledge of invertebrate taxonomy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- conducting and participating in scientific research and development work in the international team;

- planning and carrying out molecular analyses: barcoding and metabarcoding of samples of freshwater invertebrates and diatoms, carrying out the so-called lab-ring test;

- statistical processing of results;

- testing the effectiveness of methods based on DNA (meta)barcoding in assessing the ecological status of waters within the Water Framework Directive;

- dissemination of scientific results or development of research by publishing in prestigious scientific journals included in the Journal Citation Reports list;

- participation in international mobility for research purposes;

- supervision of technical staff and students;

- showing initiative in organizing and improving efficiency of the own work and that of the team/unit;

The selected candidate will participate in scientific trips the UDE, Essen, Germany.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RECRUITMENT:

Applicants entering the competition should submit an application for employment addressed to the Rector of the University of Lodz with the following attachments: 1) a personal questionnaire for the applicant for employment and 2) statements available on the website of the University of Lodz – including the statement that the University of Lodz will be the candidate's primary place of work (https://www.uni.lodz.pl/kariera), 3) curriculum vitae, including a list of scientific achievements (publications, internships and scientific projects), 4) Motivation letter with contact information for reference persons, 5) a copy of the doctoral diploma, and 6) the RODO clause available on the University of Lodz website (https://www.uni.lodz.pl/kariera).

Competition settlement deadline: 19 September 2024

We reserve the right to interview selected people.

Winning the competition does not guarantee employment at the University of Lodz.

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biological sciences

competition for the position of post-doc/adjunct researcher (Polish: adiunkt), metabrcoding, biodiversity, Water Framework Directive, benthic invertebrates, diatoms