We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in Molecular Ecology for 2.5
years to join the program Animal Ecology 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 description
The postdoc will lead 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 across food webs. The majority of the work will
involve metagenomic analyses and laboratory experiments on chironomids.
Duties
Duties 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 desired
Ph.D. degree or a foreign degree equivalent required. 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. The
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 employment
Temporary position for 30 months. Starting date 2026-02-01 or as agreed
(flexible). Location: Uppsala.
Please submit your application by 05 December 2025. Full details at:
https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=867654
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Elin
Videvall, elin.videvall@ebc.uu.se or Prof. Frank Johansson,
frank.johansson@ebc.uu.se.
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Elin Videvall
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