Postdoctoral Researcher

Hours per week 37 Project Title Evolutionary Genetics of Beetle-Microbe Symbiosis Months Duration 24

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job

Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem,you will use comparative and population genomic approaches to reconstruct the origin, maintenance, and evolutionary consequences of symbiosis in beetles.
You will work in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology.

This role will include:

• Generating and analysing comparative and population genomic datasets across symbiotic and non-symbiotic beetle lineages.
• Performing phylogenomic reconstruction and divergence-time estimation to trace the origins of symbiotic associations.
• Applying macroevolutionary methods to test how symbiosis relates to diversification rates and ecological niche breadth.
• Analysing long-read host genome assemblies and symbiont genomes to characterise genomic signatures of symbiotic transitions.
• Applying molecular evolution approaches, such as selection analyses and ortholog identification, to identify genes and pathways shaped by symbiosis.
• Integrating genomic, ecological, and phylogenetic data to test hypotheses about symbiosis-driven diversification.
• Disseminating results through preprints, publications, conference presentations, and mentoring of students.

Key Relationships

Working as part of a team led by Dr Hassan Salem, and in collaboration across the Department of Molecular Microbiology, the John Innes Centre, and The Sainsbury Laboratory, you will use comparative and population genomic approaches to reconstruct the origin, maintenance, and evolutionary consequences of symbiosis in beetles.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project 50 Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media 25 Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings 5 Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world-class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications 5 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5 Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders

Person Profile Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance BSc or equivalent in developmental biology, entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), or microbiology, or a related discipline Essential PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in developmental biology, entomology, molecular biology, evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), or microbiology, or a related discipline Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Experience with comparative and/or population genomic analyses, including variant calling and phylogenomics Essential Experience with macroevolutionary and diversification-rate analyses (e.g., BAMM, MEDUSA) is desirable. Essential Strong programming skills (R and/or Python, Unix/Bash) for large-scale genomic data analysis Essential

Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Proficiency in phylogenetic and phylogenomic software (e.g., IQ-TREE, RAxML, MrBayes, ASTRAL) and divergence-time estimation. Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Preparing data / information for grant proposals Desirable Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent