********************GradStudentPositions******************** The Junior Research Group Global Change Ecology (Dr. Jonas Jourdan) at the Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity of the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, is awarding a PhD scholarship (job code KWH 2021-02) for a period of three years, starting at the next possible date. The financial support of the scholarship comprises 1,450 euros per month. Within the grant, a project on the condition and development of biodiversity in Hessian waters is to be carried out for the Hessen Water Competence Center, which is currently being established. Project Rationale: Riverine ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots that are experiencing a dramatic decline in biodiversity in many places. This observation affects all levels of biodiversity and also impairs ecosystem functions and services for humans. The overall aim of the PhD project is to document the status and development of Hessian aquatic biodiversity. The aim is to gain an understanding of the impact of controlling factors and, in particular, anthropogenic pressures. The focus is on point sources of municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents as well as diffuse inputs from agriculture and their role in the structuring aquatic communities. Your profile: You have completed your university degree (M.Sc.) in a relevant field (e.g., biology, bioinformatics, data science, ecology, environmental sciences or applied mathematics/computer science) with "very good" rating. You are interested in handling large data sets. Ideally, you have analytical modelling and programming skills in R and a basic knowledge of aquatic ecology. Furthermore, a high ability to work under pressure, very good organizational and communication skills are required. Excellent English skills, oral as well as written are required. German language skills are helpful but not mandatory. We offer a creative, appreciative working environment with a high degree of personal responsibility in a young and motivated team. You will benefit from a research network of national and international cooperation partners and can take advantage of further qualification opportunities through the Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers (GRADE). Please send your application electronically with the usual documents (CV, important certificates), as well as a letter of motivation (in English language, max. 1 page), contact details of two referees to support your application and with reference to job code KWH 2021-02, as a single pdf document to Dr. Jonas Jourdan, Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University of Frankfurt, e-mail: jourdan@bio.uni-frankfurt.de. Closing date for application is July 16, 2021. Please contact Dr. Jonas Jourdan for further information. More information at: https://sites.google.com/view/jonasjourdan/research/insects -- Dr. Jonas Jourdan Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences Goethe University Frankfurt Biologicum | room 2.320 | Max-von-Laue-Str. 13 60438 Frankfurt am Main | Germany Tel +49 (0)69 798 42149 E-Mail: jourdan@bio.uni-frankfurt.de http://www.ecotox.uni-frankfurt.de ********************PostDocs******************** Postdoc position at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain The Evolutionary Processes Modeling group at the Centre for Genomic Regulation invites applications for a postdoc position to study genetic variation in human cancer genomes using computational data analysis, population genetics and statistical methods. Read more and apply here: https://recruitment.crg.eu/content/jobs/position/postdoctoral-researcher-group-evolutionary-processes-modeling-1 Deadline: 15 July 2021. About the institute The Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) is an international research institute of excellence, based in Barcelona, Spain, with more than 400 scientists from 44 countries. The CRG shares principles of an interdisciplinary and creative scientific team that is supported by high-end and innovative technologies and a flexible and efficient administration. In 2013, the CRG received the 'HR Excellence in Research' logo from the European Commission. This is in recognition of the institute's commitment to developing an HR Strategy for Researchers designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. For further information, see https://www.crg.eu/. About the group Cancer is a genetic disease, subject to population genetics forces like mutation, selection and stochasticity. Our group is particularly interested in how the evolution and survival of cancer cell populations relies on mutation influx as well as in the selection inference from the observed mutation data. To this end, we develop mathematical and computational approaches to estimate mutation rates and selection. Estimates of the strength of selection in cancer allow for a prioritization of genes and non-coding regions by their disease relevance, with the ultimate goal of promoting therapeutic advances. Coding sequences of cancer tumors not only exhibit positively selected mutations that drive cancer (www.nature.com/articles/s41588-019-0572-y), but there also exists a small fraction of genes that the tumor cannot afford to lose (www.nature.com/articles/ng.3987). In addition to genes, cancer driver loci can occur in the non-coding part of the genome (www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00100-x). We are also interested in mutation rates and selection inference in the context of human genetic variation, including polymorphisms (http://www.nature.com/articles/ng.3831; academic.oup.com/mbe/article-abstract/36/8/1701/5475505) and de novo variants (www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17162-z). Here, a particular focus of the group lies on the description of purifying selection in humans and across species, accounting for mutational processes as well as the effects of genetic drift. The Evolutionary Processes Modeling lab was established in October 2018 and is part of the "Bioinformatics and Genomics" program at the CRG. Further information can be found at https://weghornlab.net/ and at www.crg.eu/en/programmes-groups/weghorn-lab. Your profile - You hold a PhD degree in population genetics, physics, statistics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline. - You have worked with DNA sequencing or other biological datasets and have programming experience. - You are familiar with the principles of population genetics and statistical analysis. The ideal candidate should be highly motivated and eager to work on evolutionary and biological problems through the use and development of computational and theoretical approaches. The offer Contract duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension). Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales. Target start date: As soon as possible. We provide a highly stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and unique professional career development opportunities. We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. The CRG is committed to reconciling a work and family life of its employees and offers extended vacation period and the possibility to benefit from flexible working hours. Application procedure Applications should include: 1. A motivation letter addressed to Dr. Donate Weghorn. 2. A complete CV including contact details and a list of publications. 3. Contact details of two referees. Applications should be submitted online via the CRG Careers website: https://recruitment.crg.eu/content/jobs/position/postdoctoral-researcher-group-evolutionary-processes-modeling-1 Enquiries can be addressed to dweghorn@crg.eu. All personal data requested by CRG from applicants will be treated in accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act (15/13 December 1999). Deadline: 15 July 2021. dweghorn@crg.eu ********************PostDocs******************** University of Victoria, Department of Biology A fully funded, 2-year, postdoctoral research position is available immediately to work in the laboratory of Dr. Ryan Gawryluk (protistlab.weebly.com) at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. The project will apply novel single-cell transcriptomic approaches, in combination with amplicon sequencing, targeted metagenomics, and microfluidics to explore the diversity, metabolism, and symbiotic interactions of microbial eukaryotes that inhabit hypoxic and anoxic marine environments. The successful candidate will become part of a collaborative international team, co-led by Drs. Ryan Gawryluk & Courtney Stairs (Lund University, Sweden), and including collaborators Drs. Sean Crowe (University of British Columbia) and Edith Hammer (Lund University), and may have the opportunity to visit Lund University to participate in development of microfluidic techniques. Candidates should have experience with next-generation sequencing data and bioinformatics, as well as a passion for discovery-oriented research and strong interest in learning more about protists. The project provides opportunities for the successful candidate to work at the intersection of microbiology, genomics, evolutionary biology, and marine sciences. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to mentor undergraduates and graduate students, and present their results at international scientific conferences. UVic is located in Victoria, BC, one of Canada's most beautiful cities. A short walk from the beach, and minutes from downtown Victoria, UVic is a fantastic environment in which to learn and live. UVic is an equity employer, and we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. We acknowledge with respect the Lkwungen peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEÆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day. To apply for this position please send a cover letter describing your interests and experience, your CV and a list of three references to ryangawryluk@uvic.ca; please also feel free to send informal inquiries via email if you have specific questions. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The start date is negotiable, but it would be ideal for the successful applicant to begin before the end of 2021. ryangawryluk@uvic.ca ********************WorkshopsCourses******************** The University of Connecticut's Computational Biology Core is offering a workshop on RNA-seq focused on identifying differentially expressed genes using an existing reference genome and annotation. The workshop will cover data quality control, read mapping, quantification of expression, obtaining data from the Ensembl database, exploratory and statistical analysis of expression data and functional enrichment analysis. The workshop will take place over 4 days for three hours each day. Dates: June 21 -24 (4 days) Time (US Eastern): M: 8:30am-12pm T-W-Th: 9.00am - 12.00pm Location: Online Cost: $350 for UConn affiliates, $475 external Workshop schedule Day 1: Introduction to Linux, High performance computing Day 2: QC, mapping, generating count data Day 3-4 : Exploratory analysis/QC, statistical analysis, functional enrichment. Registration To register, please follow this link: https://forms.gle/8E1vnS9C3D3QEV5Y8 Workshop FAQ Who should attend? Anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of RNA-seq. Prior course participants have included faculty, post docs, grad students, advanced undergraduates, staff, and industry researchers. What are the prerequisites? Prior bioinformatic experience is not required. We have dedicated the first day of workshop to the basics of Linux and high performance computing. What do I need? You will need your own laptop to use, have a recent version of R, RStudio installed, and some other applications. We will send you details of software and installation instructions with your registration acknowledgement email. Can I bring my own data? We will provide experimental datasets for use during the workshop, as this helps to keep the workshop moving. There will be time, however, to discuss your own datasets and how you might work with them outside of the workshop. How much does it cost? The registration fee is $350/$475 for UConn affiliated/non-UConn participants. How do I pay? The fee is due at the time of registration. UConn affiliates can use KFS accounts. The only other means of payment we currently accept is credit card. Due to some complications we cannot accept international wire transfers at this time. Where is the workshop? It will be held on Blackboard-Collaborate platform, and will run from 9:00am to 12:00pm on the dates indicated. How do I apply? All registration is "first-come, first-served." There is no application process. Sign up as soon as possible to ensure your place in the workshop. Questions? If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at cbcsupport@uconn.edu "Reid, Noah"