The Natural History Museum of Denmark is offering a 2-year postdoctoral position on e-DNA metabarcoding commencing October 1st 2014 or soon thereafter in the Rønsted group, Section for Evolutionary Genomics. The application deadline is August 1st 2014.

A major outstanding question in natural science is the influence of the environment on the expression of chemical defence compounds. With the advent of high throughput Next Generation Sequencing data, it is now possible to use eDNA Metabarcoding to provide an estimate of biodiversity in for example an environmental soil sample. These new promising approaches can potentially provide an easy, more accurate and relevant estimate of the biotic assemblages present in the local environment than traditional habitat description or environmental analysis focusing on morphology, physical and chemical parameters. The strategic aim of this postdoctoral research project is to develop a model for using eDNA Metabarcoding to express local biotic pressure and to use this model to test the influence of the biotic pressure on expression of plant chemical defence compounds. The position will include some fieldwork.

The successful candidate will become an integrated part of the highly international research group of Nina Rønsted and the Section of Evolutionary Genomics at the Natural History Museum of Denmark. The Rønsted group explores the evolution of plants and the correlation between phylogeny, biological interactions and natural products, to explain patterns and processes of diversity. The position will include collaboration with ongoing research projects in the group and benefit from association with the MedPlant ITN network, www.MedPlant.eu. The position is funded by a grant from the VILLUM FONDEN.

Qualifications and eligibility
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in biology or another discipline of relevance for the research project. Experience with next generation sequencing, preferably with e-DNA metabarcoding, including both relevant labwork experience and bioinformatics, excellent English skills, and good interpersonal skills, is a requirement. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant as reflected in publications, relevant research experience, and the letter of motivation.

At the time of recruitment, it is a requirement that the candidate has a maximum of 3 years PhD experience. Mobility is required and the position cannot be used to extend existing contracts or recruit researchers with a PhD degree from the University of Copenhagen, unless the candidate has worked at another institution for minimum a year.

Place of employment and principal place of work
The Rønsted Group, Section for Evolutionary Genomics, The Natural History Museum of Denmark, Sølvgade 83, Opg. S, DK-1307 Copenhagen, Denmark. Primary supervisor is Associate Professor Nina Rønsted, Natural History Museum of Denmark.

Salary and terms of employment
The postdoc’s duties will include research within e-DNA metabarcoding as well as other duties to a minor extent.The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The starting salary is currently up to DKK 403,682 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 69,030). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.