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Researcher in Evolutionary Biology / Ornithology

Deadline: 15.03.2020

Job description

Universitetet i Oslo

The University of Oslo is Norway’s oldest and highest ranked educational and research institution, with 28 000 students and 7000 employees. With its broad range of academic disciplines and internationally recognised research communities, UiO is an important contributor to society.


The Natural History Museum at the University of Oslo is Norway’s most comprehensive natural history collection. For almost 200 years, specimens of animals, fungi, plants, rocks, minerals and fossils have been collected, studied and preserved here. The museum is located at Økern and in the beautiful Botanical Garden, which is not only popular for recreation, but is a scientific collection in itself.

Flere stillinger fra Universitetet i Oslo

A researcher position in Evolutionary Biology/Ornithology is available at the Natural History Museum/Sex and Evolution Research Group (SERG). The researcher shall work on the project “Sperm Evolution in Birds” financed by the Research Council of Norway. The fellowship period is 3 years and 9 months.

Starting date no later than 1 September 2020.

More about the position

The main goal of the research project is to advance our understanding of how sperm cells evolve and diversify, using perching birds (order Passeriformes) as study objects. The project is organised in three work packages that will 1) reconstruct the evolutionary history of sperm diversification in Passeriformes and identify episodes of major innovations or shifts in sperm morphology, 2) reveal the genetic architecture of sperm components and genomic rearrangements associated with particular trait shifts, and 3) identify the types and strengths of natural selection that shape sperm traits in bird populations.

The project will be conducted by a team of scientists and students at SERG/NHM together with several international collaborators. The researcher will have a central role in work package 1 and 3 as outlined above. The work includes the coordination and active participation in sperm sample collection from targeted species worldwide, conducting comparative analyses of sperm trait diversification in a phylogenetic framework, and the analyses of various within-population processes of sperm trait selection and adaptation to the female environment. The researcher will also have an active role in student training and supervision, and in the dissemination of project results through public outreach.

Qualification requirements

Required qualifications:

  • PhD in evolutionary biology
  • Research profile in reproductive biology of passerine birds
  • Expertise in general sperm biology and bird systematics
  • Experience with relevant field sampling and analytical methods
  • Strong qualifications in statistical methods (including R-based analyses), handling of large data sets, and visualization of results
  • Excellent English language skills

Desired qualifications:

  • International field work experience
  • Team-working and leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Knowledge of a Scandinavian language

We offer

  • Salary NOK 523 200 – 605 500 per year, depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
  • An inspiring and friendly working environment
  • Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
  • Attractive welfare benefits

How to apply

The application must include:

  • An application letter describing in detail how the applicant meets the scientific demands of the project and the qualification requirements.
  • A CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work with a full list of scientific publications).
  • Copies of educational certificates, transcript of records and letters of recommendation.
  • Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Please note that all documents should be in English.

Interviews will be part of the appointment process.

Formal regulations

Please see regulations concerning appointment and promotion to teaching and research posts.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contactinformation

  • Research Director, Professor Jan T. Lifjeld, j.t.lifjeld@nhm.uio.no, +47 22851726
  • Professor Arild Johnsen, arild.johnsen@nhm.uio.no, +47 22851860

For questions about the recruitment system, please contact HR-Officer Thomas Brånå, thomas.brana@nhm.uio.no

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