Research Associate in Evolutionary Genomics Imperial College London Location: Silwood Park Campus London Salary: GBP 46,593 to 54,630 per annum Job Summary You will investigate how plant-fungal symbioses underpins speciation and plant diversity, including surveying mycorrhiza in Howea palms using metabarcoding, dual-RNA seq, and including fieldwork and experiments on the minute and isolated Lord Howe Island, a-UNESCO designated World Heritage Site in Australia. Lab website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/v.savolainen Duties and responsibilities * Genomic Analyses: Your primary responsibility will entail (i) conducting comprehensive genomic analyses of metabarcoding data from root and soil to characterise mycorrhizal diversity on Lord Howe Island; (ii) characterise differential gene expression in natural conditions between interacting organisms (DNA extractions and analyses of dual-RNA seq data), and (iii) characterise the potential interaction among host and fungal genotypes and between soils using a common garden experiment already set up on the island (DNA extractions and analyses of dual-RNA seq data). * Team Leadership: In addition to your analytical duties, you will help supervise a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team comprising both PhD and Masters students. This pivotal position necessitates adept guidance, fostering collaborative synergies, and ensuring the seamless execution of our research objectives. * Publications: As a valued team member, you will actively contribute to disseminating our ground-breaking research findings by co-authoring publications in high-impact, refereed journals, thereby fostering broader scholarly discourse and advancement in the field. Essential requirements These include: * Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in evolution, ecology, genetics, or genomics. * A robust background in genomics, molecular biology, or a closely related field. * Demonstrated proficiency in analytical methodologies and research techniques. * Proven experience in leadership roles within collaborative research environments. * Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific concepts. Further Information This is a full time, fixed term position until 30 June 2026. You will be based at Silwood Park Campus. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Prof Vincent Savolainen v.savolainen@imperial.ac.uk TO APPLY visit https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DIP429/research-associate-in-evolutionary-genomics Closes: 22nd July 2024 Prof. Vincent Savolainen Director, Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet Imperial College London Department of Life Sciences Silwood Park Campus Ascot, SL5 7PY, UK Tel +44(0)7746972672 v.savolainen@imperial.ac.uk www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/v.savolainen "Savolainen, Vincent" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)