We are looking for a researcher – bioinformatics (with relation to Genetics, Ecology and Wildlife Conservation)
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Dpt. of Biology, Animal Ecology Research Group
Application Deadline: 7 May 2018, or until the position is filled
A full time post-doc or doctorate researcher position is available at Dpt. for Biology, Animal Ecology Research Group. We encourage applications from highly-motivated post docs or researchers with good programming skills. We will also consider candidates with the required skill set but without a finished PhD, with a possibility to enroll in graduate studies at our institution.
Starting date: as soon as possible, but no later than June 2018.
Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension.
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Keywords: Bioinformatics, Genetics, Wildlife Conservation, Ecology, Brown bear, Ursus arctos, Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We invite applications from highly motivated candidates with advanced computer programming / informatics background and passion for wildlife ecology and conservation. The work will be related to two international Life projects, LIFE DINALP BEAR and LIFE LYNX, with strong emphasis on conservation genetics of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx).
Specifically, the candidate will work on programming a stochastic simulation system for brown bear population dynamics in Northern Dinaric Mountains and stochastic genetics / population dynamics simulations of lynx population augmentation. Some programming work will also be required in optimization/programming of bioinformatics pipelines for analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
Since we’re a multidisciplinary and dynamic group, the candidate will also have a possibility to engage in other activities of the group (e.g. fieldwork, other research) when the main obligations will permit. The candidate will also have the opportunity (but not obligation) to develop hers/his own personal research interests within the scope of the work we do. We are looking for candidates that are able to work independently on specific tasks but still function as a part of the team. The working language is English, everyone in the research group speaks it and we have other foreigners working with us.
RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION
We’re a dynamic, multidisciplinary group that combines “classic” approaches in animal ecology and conservation with molecular genetics and social sciences. While some of our projects are oriented in basic ecology, much of our work is conservation oriented, mainly in conservation of European large carnivores: the wolf, the bear and the lynx. We have considerable laboratory, computing and field resources, and engage in a variety of research projects.
Some of our past/current projects (the ones that have nice webpages):
EXPECTED SALARY, LIVING
The total net salary would be between 1100€ – 1500€, depending on the academic title (different for BSc, MSc or PhD).
The salary is not great compared to western European countries, but enough for a decent living in Slovenia. Living costs in Slovenia are not that high, and Ljubljana is a nice place to live – there are both mountains and the Adriatic Sea close by. A one to two hour drive can take you sailing / swimming / diving / windsurfing / fishing in summer, and a 1/2 hour drive skiing in winter, or hiking / rock climbing in summer. The city is very green, and wildlife areas start right at the outskirts (we’ve had bears enter city proper). It’s a small city which makes it easy to move around, it’s relatively bike-friendly, but being a capital we get much more culture (concerts, events, festivals…) than most other cities of this size. It’s also clean and safe.
https://www.visitljubljana.com
REQUIRED SKILLS AND LEVEL
- The skills listed below are a must to apply to this position. Please list references or some verifiable information, or explain how we can confirm your proficiency.
- Biology / Life Sciences or Mathematics / Statistics / Computer sciences background, with appropriate achieved degree (typically a PhD, but MSc and BSc candidates will be considered).
- Computer programming, advanced level. Our preferred programming languages are R, Python and C/C++. Since we do a lot of our simulation programming and analysis in R, any candidate should be either already an advanced R user or demonstrably (e.g. through showing proficiency in another programming language) willing/able to learn R to an advanced level through self-study in a very short time.
- Linux use and administration, intermediate/advanced – we have a small HPC running CentOS Linux as our primary number cruncher which we administer ourselves, and the candidate should be able to do intermediate maintenance tasks to keep it running. He or she should also be able to use bioinformatics tools in Linux, so an understanding of this OS is a must.
DESIRED SKILLS
- Any of these skills would help you in getting the job:
- Manipulation and analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
- Experience in molecular genetics and analysis of genetic data.
- Experience in genomics and analysis of genomic data.
- Advanced statistical modelling.
- Modelling of population dynamics.
- GIS
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
An interested candidate should send his/her C.V. and a cover letter explaining why he or she would like this job to tomaz.skrbinsek@gmail.com. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, in person if feasible or via Skype.
