The Narwani lab at Eawag (the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and Technology) is recruiting a postdoc to work on the evolution of competitive ability in phytoplankton. The goal of this project is understand how competitive traits evolve, and to measure the contribution of the rapid evolution of competitive traits to contemporary competitive interactions. We will investigate to what degree competitive trait evolution alters the outcome of competition, both in terms of community structure and in terms of species’ relative contributions to ecosystem functioning. To answer these questions we use competition experiments in the lab and in natural lakes. These investigations will have the opportunity to leverage existing resources in my group from prior resource limitation evolution experiments (e.g. descendant populations and whole genome sequences).
The position is a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The anticipated start date is January 2018, but a later start can be negotiated. Candidates should have obtained their PhD in topics including community, population, microbial or evolutionary ecology, with no more than 2 years of work experience post-PhD. Applicants should have at least two of the following three qualifications: (1) a background in competition and coexistence theory, 2) quantitative data analysis skills including familiarity with statistical and modelling techniques using R, Python or similar platforms, 3) experience with modern molecular methods including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR and library preparation for next generation sequencing and basic bioinformatics. Knowledge of standard methods in aquatic ecology and algal culturing is an asset. Excellent written and spoken English with a track record of publishing in international journals is required. Eawag offers a high-tech and progressive research and working environment. Applications from women are especially welcome. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. For additional information contact Dr. Anita Narwani, E-Mail: anita.narw...@eawag.ch (will not accept applications directly). [log in to unmask] (will not accept applications directly). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2017, but applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for 3 references. Please send your application through the following webpage; any other way of applying will not be considered. https://apply.refline.ch/673277/0556/pub/1/index.html