Postdoctoral researcher in Ecology, specifically entailing the ecology and evolution of avian innate immunity, ref PA 2012/144

Linnaeus University is a modern, international university in southern
Sweden. The university is situated in Kalmar and Växjö, and has 34,000
students and 2,000 employees. For more information see: Lnu.se. The school
of Natural Sciences is part of the Faculty of science and engineering. The
research activities within this multidisciplinary school include the areas
of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Organic Chemistry,
Marine Ecology and Microbiology.

The Linnaeus Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems
(EEMiS) now seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in
molecular biology and ecology.

The research project is centered on ecological and evolutionary
interactions between pathogens and host innate immunity in wild bird
populations. Pathogenic microorganisms are a reality for all living
animals and infectious diseases shape the ecology and evolution of the
host species they infect. The co-evolution between pathogens and hosts
can be viewed as an arms race, with selection on both host and pathogen
genomes. The current project aims to understand how genetic variations
at innate immune gene loci in Mallards give rise to differences in
susceptibility to naturally occurring bacterial and viral pathogens. As a
starting point, the postdoctoral researcher will investigate the genetic
basis for innate immune genes and the degree of allelic variation within
and between duck species. This information will then be used to link
allelic variation with data on pathogen susceptibility using both culture-
and genetic-based approaches.

The EEMiS environment is a centre of excellence within Linnaeus University
involving larger teams of multidisciplinary researchers. Therefore,
the successful applicant will interact with other existing research
projects within EEMiS.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. degree in a subject area of relevance
for the present project, such as molecular biology, genetics or
ecology. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are
essential. Documented experience with characterizations of immune genes,
gene function or disease susceptibility is desirable.

The position is available for two years. We offer excellent working
conditions, a competitive income, access to state-of-the-art laboratory
facilities and an opportunity to develop your career in a dynamic
environment. The position is located in Kalmar.

For further information please contact Dr. Jonas Waldenström
at +46-480-446195, (jonas.waldenstrom@lnu.se), Dr. Olof Hellgren
+46-70-6473522 (olof.hellgren@lnu.se), Head of School Prof. Ian Nicholls,
+46-480-446258 (ian.nicholls@lnu.se) or Personnel Officer Leif Eriksson
at +46-480- 446028, (leif.eriksson@lnu.se). Union representatives may
be contacted via the university switchboard at +46-772- 28 80 00.

Please apply through: lnu.se, and go to “jobs and vacancies”. The
application should arrive no later than April 15, 2012. Mark your
application with reference number PA 2012/144. The application (in
English) should contain a CV, copy of doctoral certificate, a list of
at least two referees (with telephone, fax, and/or e-mail), at least two
letters of recommendation, and a description of motivation and experience
relevant to the research project.

Olof Hellgren <Olof.Hellgren@biol.lu.se>