Postdoc Researcher – Molecular Ecology

About the Position

The Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) is looking for a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to support the research activities of Research Line (RL) 3 on Terrestrial Ecosystems, and specifically work on the national project GORBEEA, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental design and analyses to study microbiomes and metagenomes to characterize bacterial and fungal communities in wild pollinator guts.
• Develop expertise in pollinator microbial communities and contribute new knowledge and ideas to this area of research.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics tools and approaches to identify communities, relevant taxa, and associations.
• Analyze and visualize data.
• Contribute to written and oral communication, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, blog posts, outreach through social media, and the public.
• Archive data and maintain databases and contribute to budget management.
• Support the organization of project meetings and conferences across the project.
• Participate in student mentoring.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong analytical skills, good knowledge of statistics, and programming experience.
• Degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or similar.
• Proficiency in laboratory practice, experimental design, laboratory safety procedures.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics.
• A high level of computer literacy.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability and interest in communicating with diverse groups.
• Excellent written and oral command of English.
• Academic excellence in Molecular Ecology, evidenced by previous works including PhD or postdoctoral research.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Ability and interest in contributing to outreach activities.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment built on trust and transparency that values different perspectives and backgrounds.
• Driver’s license and previous experience driving a four-wheel drive vehicle.
• Previous experience with liquid nitrogen and dry ice manipulation.
• Previous laboratory experience in DNA extraction and handling.
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence.

We Offer

• Interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment.
• Quiet and spacious workspaces.
• Possibility of participating in internal training and academic activities of the center.
• 35-hour week work calendar.
• 30 days of vacation per year.

Term of Contract

Starting in 2024, the position will be initially for 3 years, with a 3-months’ probation period based on performance. Guaranteed opportunities upon successful performance after the 3 years can be offered (up to 2 years, meaning a total of 5 years), including a salary review.

Salary

The position will carry a competitive salary, matching the academic and professional profile of the applicant, and excellent work conditions.

Location

Basque Centre for Climate Change, Leioa, Spain.

About the Company

As an HR Excellence awarded institution, BC3 is committed to conciliating research-academic requirements and family duties. BC3 is particularly concerned with creating equal opportunities for people independently of gender, culture, and race. Anyone with relevant qualifications is therefore strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

Application Procedure

Fill the form below and upload one PDF document with the following information:

1. Letter of application / motivation. Applications including links to previous works/projects/initiatives that show how the applicant meets these requirements will be given priority.
2. A CV.
3. The names and email addresses of two referees.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is November 30th, 2023; candidate interviews will start as applications are received.

Informal enquiries can be made to Prof Ainhoa Magrach ([email protected]) noting in the subject of the message “Postdoc in Community Ecology job offer”. Please consider that only applications sent through the form included at the bottom of the BC3 web page will be considered (https://info.bc3research.org/job-offers/).