Postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher/fellow in Molecular Ecology to join the program Animal Ecology.The postdoc will be based in the Animal Ecology program at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Sweden. They will join the lab group of Elin Videvall, who studies wildlife microbiomes, and also work closely with Frank Johansson, who studies aquatic invertebrates. The project involves collaboration with Richard Svanbäck and Katerina Guschanski. The host department is located adjacent to the facilities of the Swedish national resource for genome sequencing (https://www.scilifelab.se/) and has access to bioinformatic tools and computational resources through UPPMAX (https://www.uppmax.uu.se/).Project DescriptionWe are hiring a postdoctoral researcher for 2.5 years to the project “Invertebrates as vectors of antimicrobial resistance genes in urban landscapes”. The overall aim is to provide insights into the role of invertebrates (Chironomidae: non-biting midges) in the spread and dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from wastewater treatment plants. We will use a unique combination of field surveys and laboratory experiments. Fieldwork will document the spatial patterns of AMR in urban environments, while controlled laboratory experiments will help elucidate the mechanisms and processes of AMR transmission within landscapes and across food webs. The majority of the work will involve metagenomic analyses and laboratory experiments on chironomids.DutiesDuties include assembly and binning of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from shotgun metagenomic data, perform taxonomic assignment and identify plasmids and antimicrobial resistance genes. The analyses consist of applying multivariate statistical methods. In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will design and conduct controlled laboratory experiments on chironomids and other aquatic insects to study the transfer of AMR across individuals, generations, and species. This part of the work involves rearing of aquatic invertebrates collected from the field, maintaining factorial experimental setups, and analyzing AMR transmission in these invertebrates using agar plate assays.Qualifications RequiredPh.D. degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree in microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, environmental genomics, or a related field. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labor unions, etc.We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and proficient researcher to drive the project forward. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with a strong interest in microbial transmission in animals (horizontally and vertically). They should have experience in one or several of the abovementioned tasks, and demonstrated proficiency in academic English writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.Qualifications DesiredThe candidate should ideally have experience in the analysis of metagenomic shotgun data. Familiarity with metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) reconstruction and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene identification is highly desirable. Strong skills in scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, or Bash) and experience working in Unix/Linux environments are advantageous. Experience in laboratory culturing of aquatic invertebrates and in conducting controlled life-cycle and/or factorial laboratory experiments will be considered an asset. Experience with agar plate assays is also desirable.About The EmploymentTemporary position for 30 months, with a possibility to an extension up to a maximum of 36 months, according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2026-02-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala UniversityFor Further Information About The Position, Please ContactDr. Elin Videvall, elin.videvall@ebc.uu.se or Prof. Frank Johansson, frank.johansson@ebc.uu.se.Application instructions The application should include 1) a cover letter describing yourself, your research interests, and why you want this position (maximum two pages), 2) a full CV with publication list, 3) a copy of your doctoral certificate (or dissertation date if in the making) and your PhD thesis, 4) names and contact information of at least two reference persons most familiar with your work. The application should be written in English.You are welcome to submit your application no later than December, 5th 2025. UFV-PA 2025/3200.Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala Universityhttps://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment. Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Uppsala | Län: Uppsala län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2025/3200 | Publicerat: 2025-10-24 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2025-12-05