The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
The Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, (https://www.gu.se/en/marina-vetenskaper) combines extensive scientific competence with unique infrastructure to provide the most complete environment for marine science and education in Sweden. It is one of only a few such organisations in Europe. By integrating advanced research infrastructure with a strong link to societal needs and challenges, the Department contributes with new solutions to global ocean challenges.
The Department of Marine Sciences conducts research, education, and innovation related to the science of the ocean and its resources. Its activities are based in Gothenburg, at two research stations (Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, and Tjärnö Marine Laboratory), and on the research vessel Skagerak. The Department has an interdisciplinary scope that encompasses marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, preservation of marine cultural heritage, and oceanography, working in all marine habitats from shallow bays and coastal seas to the open oceans. Our scientists and students often play leading roles in international collaborative research, including expeditions to Polar regions and the great seas of the world, as well as in our newly built laboratories with advanced equipment and complex analytical techniques. The Department also offers a wide range of undergraduate courses, a Bachelor’s degree, three Master’s degrees, and a Ph. D. programme, all within marine sciences.
Subject area
Population genomics of coastal fish stocks
Subject area description
Large coastal fish have declined dramatically in many ocean areas. In Swedish waters, cod, whiting and other key ecological species are largely gone. Within the project Ecosystem-based fish management in the 8-fjord area (https://www.8fjordar.se/) on the Swedish west coast, restoration work is underway to bring back coastal stocks of cod and other fish species. Genetic studies with a limited number of markers show that cod recruitment takes place from at least two different populations – offshore cod (including cod from the North Sea) and coastal cod. For the coastal cod found in the fjords of Bohuslän, there is still uncertainty about where the larvae come from, whether it is local spawning, or whether larvae are brought there from the southern Kattegatt and Öresund. A question that needs to be clarified in order to be able to give relevant advice on restoration efforts.
Duties
The postdoc we are looking for will, together with the project manager and a doctoral student, analyse whole genome sequence data from 280 cod juveniles sampled in and outside the fjords in the area, as well as in reference areas (Öresund, southern Kattegat, Norwegian fjords, and North Sea). The postdoc is expected to be able to independently perform bioinformatic analyzes of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data aimed at identifying the origin(s) of the cod larvae and whether there are significant genetic differences between fjord populations. The work includes data management, data processing, and analysis, as well as reporting of results. The most important tasks within the project are the following:
- Analysis of whole genome sequencing data for 280 juvenile cod. The sequencing is now underway during February-March 2025 at SciLifeLab and data will be available shortly.
- DNA extraction and exploratory population genomic analysis of a small selection of other important fish species within the 8+fjord area
- Communication of results in oral and written form, both in scientific journals and to decision makers
In addition, the postdoc is expected to participate in relevant activities conducted at the department, in particular within the research group and within the 8+fjords project
Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.
In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Assessment criteria
Competence and know-how in the area to which the employment applies, as well as the ability to work both independently and collaborate with others within the project will be given the greatest weight when assessing the applicant’s merits.
- It is a requirement that the applicant has previous experience in bioinformatics with a focus on population genomics, with exceptionally good knowledge in processing and analysis of DNA sequence data.
- It is a requirement that the postdoc is fluent in speaking and writing English.
- It is a merit to have previous experience in analyzing WGS data.
- It is also a merit with previous experience of working with conservation genetics issues.
For the position, the applicant will be selected who, after an overall assessment of skill and development potential within the subject area of the position, is deemed to have the best conditions to independently carry out the tasks included in the position, communicate and cooperate with other personnel and contribute to the positive development of the workplace. Great importance is placed on personal suitability.
Employment
The employment is a fixed-term employment for 3 years, 100% of full time and placed at the Department of Marine Science, Tjärnö. Starting date is as soon as possible or upon agreement.
Contact information
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Kerstin Johannesson (kerstin.johannesson@gu.se)
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Sofie Emanuelsson, HR (sofie.emanuelsson@gu.se)
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Attached to the application:
- Personal letter
- CV and list of publications and relevant publications as pdf
- Statement of the technical and analytical skills that are relevant to the job
- Degree certificates, other relevant certificate and documents that you wish to refer to.
The application can be written in Swedish or English
Applications must be received by: 2025-04-07
Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
