The Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity at the University of Münster, Germany, invites applications for a Junior Group Leader Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in (Salary level TV-L E13, 100%) in the Plant Adaptation-in-Action group, headed by Prof Shuqing Xu
(https://www.uni-muenster.de/Evolution/plantadapt/people/shuqingxu.shtml).
The successful candidate may start as soon as possible, preferably before May 2021. The salary will initially be provided for three years, with possibility of extension for another three years. Plants are living in a microbial world and with the threat of herbivores. However, it remains unclear how herbivores and microbes jointly shape plant evolution in nature. In this DFG-funded project, the candidate will lead a team in the Plant Adaptation-in-Action group to address this challenging question using an interdisciplinary approach.
During the course of the project, the candidate will mature his/her scientific skills and develop independence in project planning and management skills. In addition, the candidate will gain the opportunity to improve their leadership skills by leading a research team consisting of one PhD student and several MSc and BSc students. The position serves as a stepping-stone for the candidate to pursue a faculty position.
Requirements
The successful candidate may start as soon as possible, preferably before May 2021. The salary will initially be provided for three years, with possibility of extension for another three years. Plants are living in a microbial world and with the threat of herbivores. However, it remains unclear how herbivores and microbes jointly shape plant evolution in nature. In this DFG-funded project, the candidate will lead a team in the Plant Adaptation-in-Action group to address this challenging question using an interdisciplinary approach.
During the course of the project, the candidate will mature his/her scientific skills and develop independence in project planning and management skills. In addition, the candidate will gain the opportunity to improve their leadership skills by leading a research team consisting of one PhD student and several MSc and BSc students. The position serves as a stepping-stone for the candidate to pursue a faculty position.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a doctoral degree, or equivalent thereof, in biology, evolutionary genetics, bioinformatics or computer science. The candidate is expected to design, conduct and organize large scale field experiments and analyse large amount of next generation sequencing data, in particular, metagenomic data, with high degree of independence. Thus, a background in bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics and metagenomics is required. Applicants must demonstrate experience in statistics, metagenomics, data analysis and microbiology. Experience with field work, plant-microbe interactions or plant-herbivore interactions are a plus. Our group consists of people of various nationalities and teamwork is essential for all projects in the group. Therefore,
excellent communication skills, as well as proficiency in spoken and written English are expected. Good knowledge in German is a plus.
excellent communication skills, as well as proficiency in spoken and written English are expected. Good knowledge in German is a plus.
Applications must be in English and include:
- a motivation letter stating the research interests with reference to the stated requirements in no more than 2 pages,
- a detailed CV including academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as details of all research experience,
- an abstract of the PhD thesis, and
- contact details of at least two referees.
The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions, although some restrictions related to specific project-related tasks may apply.
