Postdoctoral Researcher “Climate-adaptation Genetics” [Ref. #D04]

The Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (BiK-F) has recently been founded by the Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesellschaft, the Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, and additional partners. It is funded by the Federal State of Hessen through the Initiative for the Development of Scientific and Economic Excellence (LOEWE). The mission of the Centre is to carry out internationally outstanding research on the interactions of biodiversity and climate change at the organism level. The Project Area D “Laboratory Centre” invites applications for the position of

Postdoctoral Researcher “Climate-adaptation Genetics”
PG D 5.1 [Ref.#D04]

The applicant will be responsible for a project aiming to identify candidate genes playing key roles for climate adaptation in various invertebrate taxa (Daphnia, Chironomus, Radix). This will involve to identify genes which are positively selected in response to climatic conditions. To this end, genomic resources (EST bank, micro-array) for Radix have to be established; for the other taxa, these resources are already available. Furthermore, the technical implementation of the high throughput laboratory is part of the responsibilities. Participation in university teaching is possible, while the acquisition of external research funding is highly desired.

The applicant should hold an earned Ph.D. in molecular biology, preferably with a strong focus on transcriptome analysis. She or he should already have experience with high throughput DNA-sequencing technologies and should be interested in ecological and climate change issues. Applicants should have a strong publication record. Very good written and oral English language skills, willingness to learn at least basic German and interest in joining a multidisciplinary research team are required, as well as proven organising abilities.

Salary and benefits are according to a public service position in Germany (BAT IIa).

The BiK-F Research Centre advocates gender equality. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. Equally qualified severely handicapped applicants will be given preference.

The contract shall start as soon as possible and will initially be restricted for two years with a possible extension being subject to personal performance and availability of funds. The duty station will be Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The employer is the SENCKENBERGISCHE NATURFORSCHENDE GESELLSCHAFT.

Please send your application by mail or (preferably) e-mail, including a detailed CV, 3 references, a list of publications and up to five selected re/e-prints, and mentioning the reference of this position (#D04) until October 31, 2008 to

Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. V. Mosbrugger, Scientific Coordinator Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
E-mail to Personal & Service, Mrs. Annette Ohl: aohl@senckenberg.de

For enquiries regarding the position and contract, please write to Prof. Dr. B. Stribrny (E-mail: bernhard.stribrny@senckenberg.de) and for scientific enquiries to PD Dr. M. Pfenninger (E-mail: pfenninger@bio.uni-frankfurt.de) or Prof. Dr. J. Oehlmann (E-mail: oehlmann@bio.uni-frankfurt.de).