PostDoc position in comparative genomics and phylogenomics of non-bilaterian animals (LMU Munich, Germany)
We invite applications for a *PostDoc* position in the project
MODELSPONGE funded by the LMUexcellent program through the German
Excellence Initiative.
The project is located at the *Department of Earth- and Environmental
Sciences* (Chair of Paleontology and Geobiology) and the
*GeoBio-Center^LMU * of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München.
The phylogenetic relationships among non-bilaterian animals
(i.e. Porifera, Ctenophora, Cnidaria, Placozoa) and their relationships to
the Bilateria are still discussed controversially. This project will build
on recently published as well as unpublished in-house sequenced genomes of
sponges and other non-bilaterians to comparatively analyse their genomes
to further our understanding of early animal evolution. The project is
also aimed at contributing to resolve controversies about the branching
patterns at the base of the animal tree of life. Key publications in this
context from the lab include Philippe et al., 2009, Current Biology;
Pick et al., 2010, Molecular Biology and Evolution; Philippe et al.,
2011, PLoS Biology; Wörheide et al., 2012, Advances in Marine Biology;
Dohrmann & Wörheide, 2013, Integrative and Comparative Biology; Nosenko
et al., 2013, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.
We are seeking a highly motivated applicant, ideally trained
in evolutionary bioinformatics, with excellent and demonstrated
(phylo)genomic skills, bioinformatics expertise as well as a sound
background in biology, who is willing to tackle the challenging task
of working with the genomes of non-bilaterian animals. The successful
candidate will also contribute to the lab’s ongoing genome sequencing
efforts, contribute to expand the bioinformatic tools available in the
lab, and has the opportunity to contribute to teaching specialty courses
in the Master’s programme. High-performance computing is available in the
lab (64-core LINUX cluster) as well as through the Leibnitz Rechenzentrum
(<www.lrz.de>).
The successful candidate will join an international and dynamic lab
focussing on the geobiology and evolution of marine animals. More
information about the lab can be found at <www.geobiology.eu>.
*Requirements*: PhD in Biology or Bioinformatics or related field;
demonstrated expertise and understanding of molecular evolution including
phylogenomic methods, demonstrated expertise in processing and analysing
Illumina NGS genome and transcriptome data; excellent English language
skills; excellent programming skills (e.g., in commonly used bioinformatic
languages such Perl, Python, etc.). Evidence of this expertise must
be provided through high-ranking international publications. Prior
postdoctoral experience is desirable but not essential. German language
skills are not necessary, the working language of the group is English.
The position is initially available for 12 months, with possible extension
depending on performance. The position will be paid according to the
German salary scheme TV-L E13.
*Application*: Send application including letter of motivation, CV,
PDFs of max. 5 of your most significant publications, and contact
details of 2 referees in a single PDF (only) by email to Mrs Monika
Brinkrolf <m.brinkrolf@lrz.uni-muenchen.de>. Application deadline is 15
May 2014. Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Gert Wörheide
(woerheide@lmu.de).
The Department of Earth- and Environmental Sciences, Palaeontology
& Geobiology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich offers an
excellent multidisciplinary research environment, one of its particular
strength being due to the close interaction between Geosciences
and the Faculty of Biology in the framework of the GeoBioCenter^LMU
(http://www.geobio-center.uni-muenchen.de).