Two Doctoral Researchers in Kvantum Institute Spearhead Project “Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future”

We are now looking for

Two (2) Doctoral Researchers

to join us in the Ecology and Genetics Unit and the Insect Bioliteracy Group at the Faculty of Science to work in a fixed-term position with our research team for the project: Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future. The project is the Kvantum Institute’s spearhead project for the period of 2025-2028.

Kvantum Institute is one of four strategic focus institutes supporting high-quality research, coordinating multidisciplinary research activities, and providing doctoral training. Kvantum’s science-based expertise meets global challenges in the focus areas, such as mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary networking of research groups as well as cooperation among groups and national and international partners.

Position 1 description: DNA-based taxonomy of Braconidae

We will hire one (1) research-oriented, talented and industrious person to carry out doctoral studies in the project of “Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future”. The researcher will focus on massively diverse and taxonomically ‘dark’ group of braconid wasps in order to develop novel DNA-based solutions to accelerate their species descriptions based on their DNA characteristics. The researcher will develop an efficient protocol to recover nuclear genetic data from species using high-throughput sequencing approaches such as ONT and/or PacBio, and will demonstrate the efficiency of this protocol in practise. Additionally, the researcher will focus on estimating species richness of Cecidomyiidae (gall midges) globally.

The researcher will conduct research (a three-year fixed term), publish research results in international journals, attend doctoral courses, present research at international conferences, and complete the doctoral thesis within 3 years. Other duties include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 5% of the total 1612 working hours per year), co-supervising master student(s) and presenting research in Kvantum Institute’s Researchers’ Seminar. In addition, they may be obliged to participate in administrative tasks for the university and/or the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit. The selected candidate will carry out their doctoral studies within the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in: http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

Position 2 description: Species interconnections genomics

We will hire one (1) research-oriented, talented and industrious person to carry out doctoral studies in the project of “Developing a Genomic Blueprint for a Bio-literate Future”. The researcher will focus on developing new genomics approaches to elucidate species interconnections, i.e. host-parasitoid and host-herbivore relationships. The work will be conducted using reared and wild-collected specimens of parasitoid wasps and flies as well as sawfly larvae. The primary sequencing platforms will be ONT and Illumina. The goal is to develop and demonstrate approaches to recover host species directly from the specimen based on remains of DNA of their gut contents.

The researcher will conduct research (a three-year fixed-term), publish research results in international journals, attend doctoral courses, present research at international conferences, and complete the doctoral thesis within 3 years. Other duties include teaching in undergraduate courses (up to 5% of the total 1612 working hours per year), co-supervising master student(s) and presenting research in Kvantum Institute’s Researchers’ Seminar. In addition, they may be obliged to participate in administrative tasks for the university and/or the Ecology and Genetics Research Unit. The selected candidate will carry out their doctoral studies within the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) and must meet the requirements to receive doctoral study rights as defined in: http://www.oulu.fi/uniogs/requirements_for_admission.

Description of the research team

The doctoral Researcher will work in an international and experienced research team of biodiversity scholars and taxonomists. The project is led by Prof. Marko Mutanen (U. Oulu, Finland). The key collaborators include Prof. Michael Sharkey (U. Kentucky, USA), Academy Prof. Otso Ovaskainen (JYU Finland), Prof. Tomas Roslin (U. Uppsala, Sweden), Prof. Paul Hebert, Sujeevan Ratnasingham, Dr. Evgeny Zakharov (U. Guelph, Canada), Prof. Jaakko Pohjoismäki (UEF, Finland), Assistant Prof. Stefan Prost (U. Oulu, Finland), and Dr Marko Prous (U. Tartu, Estonia), MSc Maria Khan, and MSc Niina Kiljunen (U. Oulu, Finland).

Position requirements

• We are searching for a candidate with the following skills:
• Master of Science degree in Biology or a related discipline completed with very good/excellent grades
• Position 1: Knowledge on the theory and practice in taxonomy and/or phylogenetics
• Broad knowledge of insect diversity
• At least basic skills in R and statistics
• At least basic skills in DNA laboratory work
• Fluency in both written and spoken English
• Capability and interest to write scientific publications Communication and teamwork skills
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

In addition, we value:

• Position 1: Skills in programming
• Skills in DNA laboratory work, particularly high-throughput sequencing
• Skills in statistics
• Skills in bioinformatics Broad taxonomic knowledge of insects, particularly hymenopterans 

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organisation.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and close-ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for three years as of 01.01.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approx. 2600-2800 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 17.11.2024 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages). Summarizing applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why applicant is interested in this position. Also, information on personal research interests, experience and career plans are valuable to provide here
2. CV (including possible publications) following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas (in English or Finnish)
4. List of publications, following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland
5. Contact information of one person available for recommendation (related to your studies)

The top applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Prof. Marko Mutanen, Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, Faculty of Science, marko.mutanen@oulu.fi