Institution: Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Position: postdoc (adiunkt)
Scientific area: Biology
Deadline: 30.11.2021 11:59 pm CET
NCN call: OPUS - NZ
Application form: email
The research group led by Dr Dagmara Żyła at the Leibniz Institute of the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB, Hamburg, Germany) is looking for candidates for a postdoc position to work within the project entitled: "The Impact of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on diversification dynamics in Paederinae rove beetles" funded by the Polish National Science Centre and carried out at the Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences (MIZ, PAS). The main goal of this project is to investigate the evolutionary response of Paederinae predatory beetles to the most rapid and significant climatic warming event in the Cenozoic. To do so, a set of innovative methods, such as machine learning for species identification, Next Generation Sequencing, and Bayesian statistical phylogenetics will be combined with modern approaches in insect systematics.
Scope of work
- performing laboratory work, i.e. DNA extractions, library preparation, enrichment with UCE baits, sequencing
- processing and preparing raw sequences for the phylogenomic analysis
- participating in phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses
- working closely with other members of the group
- participating in data analysis and interpretation of the results
- writing publications with other members of the team
- presentation and dissemination of the obtained results in the form of conference talks and scientific papers
Requirements
- PhD degree in biological sciences or a related area, awarded or to be awarded before January 2022, but no earlier than 7 years ago
- experience in the molecular lab work, including NGS techniques or interest in learning
- experience in bioinformatics concerning the analysis of genomic data for phylogenetic purposes or interest in learning
- theoretical knowledge on phylogenetics and evolutionary biology
- experience in working with beetles will be an advantage, but it is not required
- fluency in English (at least B2 level)
- enthusiasm for science
- communication and organizational skills
- creativity, high motivation and ability to work alone and in a team
Conditions of employment:
The postdoctoral researcher will be based in the Museum and Institute of Zoology in Warsaw, but will also work in close collaboration with the Zoological Museum in Hamburg (Germany), part of the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB). The position starts on 1.01.2022 or soon after and is funded for 2 years.
A salary is ca. 8300 PLN gross (ca. 6400 PLN after taxes ~ 1400 EUR) per month, which is significantly higher than the mean salary in the country (5504 PLN gross, according to https://stat.gov.pl/en/latest-statistical-news/communications-and-announcements/list-of-communiques-and-announcements/average-gross-wage-in-the-2th-2021,281,31.html). This is sufficient to cover the life expenses and assures a good standard of living in Poland.
Research environment
The research at MIZ is focused on a broad range of themes in animal biology, including systematics, biogeography, evolutionary biology, ecology and population genetics. Dagmara Żyła’s research group is part of the Department of Systematics, Zoogeography and Ecology of Invertebrates led by Prof. K. Wioletta Tomaszewska focused on insect systematics, taxonomy, evolution and phylogeny. MIZ laboratories contain modern equipment for genomic analyses, as well as tools for studying morphology, like SEM and micro-CT. The Museum’s zoological collection is among the largest and most valuable in Europe.
Application process
The deadline for submitting the application is 30.11.2021 11:59 pm CEST.
The application must be in English. Please submit the documents as one PDF file named with your surname to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the email subject “Application for a postdoc position”.
The file must include:
- A copy of your PhD degree certificate (or a document confirming your enrollment in a PhD programme together with a letter from the PhD supervisor stating the expected completion date)
- Cover letter (max. 1 page)
- CV including the list of publications and/or manuscripts in preparation, with the following statement provided at the end:
“I give my consent to the processing of personal data provided in my application documents by the Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS for the purpose of the recruitment process, pursuant to the Personal Data Protection Act of 10 May 2018 (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1000) and in agreement with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation; L 119 from 04.05.2016)”.
Important: Applications that do not include this statement will not be considered.
- Contact details of two persons who could provide references.
The candidates will be assessed based on the information in the submitted documents. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview and the results are expected on 17.12.2021 the latest.
All interested candidates, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Recruitment is carried out in accordance with the Regulations on awarding funding for research tasks funded by the National Science Centre as regards research projects, set out in the Annex to NCN Council Resolution No 90/2019 of 12 September 2019.
The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate is found. If you have any questions, please contact the PI of the project, Dr Dagmara Żyła directly (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Additional information:
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland and the 7th most populous capital city in the European Union. It is a significant cultural, political, academic, and economic hub and a major international tourist destination. Warsaw is a diverse city with lots of activities available and a thriving art and restaurant scene. You can read more here: https://warsawtour.pl/en/main-page/, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Warsaw
The postdoctoral researcher will be based in one of the institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, which is a Polish state-sponsored network of research institutes of higher education.
