Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiota Manipulation for Pathogen Control in Pollinators

The Insect Symbiosis Ecology and Evolution (ISEE) Research Group at the Organismal and Evolutionary Research Program, the University of Helsinki, Finland invites applications for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

in Microbiota Manipulation for Pathogen Control in Pollinators

Symbiotic bacterial communities can play an important role for the health of the hosts that they associated with. Many insects harbour beneficial gut microbiotas involved in resistance against disease. Furthermore, both biotic and abiotic factors can influence the bond between hosts and their associated microbes, and create an imbalance that may be linked to a decrease in the fitness of the host organism, and their population dynamics. This comprehensive project focuses on how resilient bacterial communities associated with bumblebees are to pathogen infections. The selected candidate (postdoc level) will test the effect of pathogens on the species composition of the microbiota of bumblebees in the laboratory, and test for the beneficial effects of diverse bacterial species in maintainaing microbiota and host health. Tasks will include insect rearing in laboratory conditions, molecular work, microbiota analyses, and writing of manuscripts. The specific details of the project will be adjusted to fit the research interests of both the PI and the postdoc.

For this position, experience with conducting experimental assays with animals and in completing analyses of meta-barcoding or metagenomic data is required. Additional skills in analyses of RNAseq data and behavioral data, and in conducting outreach are meriting but not strictly mandatory. Candidates with degrees in Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or similar, with experience in the above-mentioned research area are strongly encouraged to apply.

The position is available in the ISEE research group of Dr. Anne DUPLOUY, starting as soon as possible, but no later than June 2024. The ISEE research group is part of the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology research program (OEB) within the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences in the Viikki Science park.  The faculty hosts over 40 leading research groups in Plant and Animal Ecology, Evolutionary Genetics, among others. This community interacts on a regular basis through seminars. The University of Helsinki provides office space, computers, bench in a State-of-the-art molecular laboratory, as well as data storage space with regular automatic backups. The campus offers various key facilities, including green houses and climate chambers for insect and plant rearing, laboratories furnished with state-of-the-art molecular equipment, genome sequencing and microscopy facilities. Computational resources from CSC are available. The project is in collaboration with Prof Johan EKROOS from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki. International collaborations with colleagues from Montpellier, Graz and Warwick Universities are possible within the scope of the project.
 

For more information on the hosting research group:  www.anneduplouy.net; and the PI: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/anne-duplouy
 

The salary is defined in accordance with the University salary system for teaching and research personnel (ca. 3800-4200 euros/month, depending on the appointee s qualifications and experience). The position is for a fixed-term of 2 years. A trial period of six months will be applied. The position will be filled as soon as possible, or as agreed with the selected candidate, but no later than June 2025. The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care, access to high quality sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (pedagogy, language, etc). There are also several funding opportunities that the candidate may consider to acquire their own funding with support from the PI.

The application should include the following attachments as a single pdf-file (in English):
1) Statement on your background, your motivations to join the research group, and ambitions (eg. How do you fit?, what would you bring?, what do you seek?) (max. 1 page)
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) List of publications (preprints can be mentioned, if a doi is also provided)
4) Names and contact details of two references

To apply, please submit the application through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the Apply button for the position. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) please submit your applications through the SAP HR portal.
 

The closing date is January 15th, 2025. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
 

For more information: Dr. Anne Duplouy, anne.duplouy(at)helsinki.fi

The University of Helsinki and the ISEE research group are strongly committed to diversity and equity, and welcome applications from persons of any background, who will contribute to the further diversification of ideas.