A BBSRC Postdoctoral Research Assistant position is available at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in Prof Richard Nichols group, investigating Landscape scale genomic-environment diversity data to model existing and novel agri-systems under climate change to enhance food security in Ethiopia.
Queen Mary is one of the top research-led universities in the UK and was ranked 9th among the UK multi-faculty universities in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). All postdoctoral researchers are part of the QMUL Doctoral College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Ethiopia has historically been the world’s largest recipient of targeted food aid, yet little food-insecurity has been reported for the southern Ethiopian highlands even during the devastating famines of the 1980s. Today, the agri-systems of the southern Ethiopian highlands successfully support one of the highest rural population densities in Africa (up to 1000 persons/sqkm. This project will investigate the landscape scale dynamics, interactions and resilience of these agri-systems, using interdisciplinary modelling, genomic and natural capital approaches to understand how best to manage their response to climate change whilst continuing to provide food security for a growing Ethiopian population – predicted to reach 172 million by 2050.
The ideal candidate for the position will have experience in implementing and developing methods for the analysis of genome-wide genetic data, ideally [but not necessarily] in crop plants. They should have a PhD (awarded or reasonably expected to be awarded within 3 months) in quantitative or statistical genetics or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in a related area of genomic analysis. They will engage in genomic characterisation and analysis of genome-environment associations at the landscape scale, applying and extending existing methods to data from the Ethiopian crops. They will have a background equipping them to interact with a wide range UK and Ethiopian researchers. These will include the field teams collecting data and samples in Ethiopia, the team based at Kew who will carry out the lab work, genomic sequencing and initial bioinformatics, and the QMUL research-computing support officer, who assist in the implementation and distribution of methods developed by the successful candidate for the analysis of genomic-environmental associations. A track record of peer-reviewed publications is essential.
The post is funded by the BBSRC and is a full-time position. The post is available until 31st March 2021, with a possible extension thereafter. The start date is 1st June 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary is dependent on qualifications, skills and experience and is in the range of £33,615 - £39,483 per annum, inclusive of London allowance. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a pension scheme.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and strongly encouraged, and may be made to Professor Richard Nichols via e-mail at
[email protected] For information about the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences please visit
http://www.sbcs.qmul.ac.uk To apply, please click on the link below.
https://webapps2.is.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/job.action?jobID=4187Application enquiries should be directed to
[email protected]The closing date for applications is 12 May 2019. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.
Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality
