Scientific Staff (post doc) at the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology

The University of Vienna (20 faculties and centres, 184 fields of study, approx. 10.400 members of staff, about 90.000 students) seeks to fill the position from 01.03.2023 of a


Reference number: 13816

The Department of Evolutionary Anthropology of the University of Vienna seeks to employ an early career scientist experienced in the field of evolutionary genomics of viruses and/or primates. The project is funded by the FWF under the 1000 ideas programme, which provides funding for “completely new, daring, or particularly original research ideas” (https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/research-funding/fwf-programmes/1000-ideas-programme). Within this project, a postdoctoral researcher position is offered for 18 months, under the FWF salary scheme, following the collective agreements of the University of Vienna. The position is to be filled as soon as possible, earliest 01.03.2023.

The University of Vienna and the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology provide an innovative working environment of interdisciplinary and international scientists. All required resources for the project are available in terms of a fully equipped ancient DNA laboratory, access to the Vienna BioCenter, access to a computation cluster for data analysis, and state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular work.




Duration of employment: 1 year/s
Duration of employment: 6 month/s
Extent of Employment: 40.0 hours/week
Job grading in accordance with collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) with relevant work experience determining the assignment to a particular salary grade.

Job Description:
The scientific abstract of the funded project describes the scope and approach as follows:

Research questions: How is the RNA virome of great apes composed and changing over time? Can we get genetic information on these disease agents over time from dried specimens?

Intended approaches and research design: Historical great ape specimens (both dried and in liquid) across several decades will be sampled, target enrichment for RNA virus sequences and deep sequencing performed, followed by bioinformatic screening and phylogenetic reconstruction.

Expected results: To reveal unknown strains and new variation in known strains in great apes. This may lead to a novel path into studies of virus evolution in many species - or at least prove that virus RNA is indeed not preserved.

Further responsibilities include participation in scientific publications and in international conferences, as well as independent research activities and administrative tasks.

Active participation in research, teaching and administration. Publications and presentations. Involvement in public outreach. Supervision of trainees and students


Profile:
The position requires a PhD in a biological field, and a convincing publication record. Programming skills in python, R, or a similar environment are necessary. The scientific working language is English. German language skills are not necessary.


Englisch - The candidate will work on the research questions of the FWF-funded project, and thus needs experience in several of the following areas of expertise:



- RNA virus sample extraction, library preparation and genome sequencing



- virus genomics, virus phylogenomics



- analysis of genome-wide sequencing data from historical or ancient specimens (human or other species)



- analysis of genome-wide sequencing data from non-human primates

Application documents


- Letter of motivation

- Academic curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, a list of courses and a list of talks given)

- Description of research interests and research agenda / of the intended habilitation project

- Contact details of people who could provide a letter of reference


Research fields:

Main research field	Special research fields	Importance
Biology	Evolutionary research;Genomics	MUST

Languages:

Language	Language level	Importance
English	Excellent knowledge	MUST

Computer-Skills:

Type of computer skills	Specified computer skills	Importance
Programming language	Others	SHOULD
Operating system knowledge	Linux	SHOULD

Applications including a letter of motivation (German or English) should be sumbitted via the Job Center to the University of Vienna ( http://jobcenter.univie.ac.at) no later than 06.02.2023, mentioning reference number 13816.

For further information please contact Pinhasi, Ron +43-1-4277-54721.

The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity ( http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

Human Resources and Gender Equality of the University of Vienna
Reference number: 13816
E-Mail: jobcenter@univie.ac.at
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