A Doctoral Researcher position is available at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in the group of Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen. The Doctoral Researcher will work in an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of the gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in birds within and across generations, and species. Starting date is August 2024 or as mutually agreed.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
All animals on our planet carry microorganisms in their gut. The gut microbiome has recently been shown to be strongly linked to health in humans and model animals. However, we still have limited knowledge on how the gut microbiome can contribute to host adaptation, particularly in light of climate change. Interestingly, studies in vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms, and our own data in great tits (Parus major) suggest that the microbiome changes with temperature, and there is proof-of-concept data that this compositional shift in the microbiome occurs as an adaptive response to cold exposure. In this project the student will study the short-term flexibility of the gut microbiome to environmental (incl thermal) challenges, and its adaptive function in thermoregulation, using great tits as the model species. This will involve conducting novel experiments on wild-caught captive birds (e.g. manipulation of temperature and other stressors as well as microbiome manipulations), combined with physiological measurements in the lab, using a variety of bioinformatic and statistical tools.
DUTIES
The doctoral researcher position will involve conducting experiments with captive birds at the Konnevesi Research station, contribution to laboratory analyses (physiological and molecular), bioinformatic analyses of 16s rRNA and possibly other sequencing data, manuscript preparation and supervision of students.
QUALIFICATIONS
The duties, qualification requirements and language skills of a Doctoral Researcher are stipulated by the University of Jyväskylä Regulations and language skills guidelines. The MSc degree required for the position must have been completed before starting the position. Doctoral Researcher needs to be also enrolled in the doctoral programme which can be applied from the Faculty of Mathematics and Science after selection for the position.
WE OFFER
The Doctoral Researcher will be supervised by Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen and Dr. Charli Davies.
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with an ample opportunity to be drawn into international research. You get to participate in our international and multidisciplinary community, where everybody’s welfare is essential. You will work in an inspiring and lively campus area and an environment that supports a healthy and active lifestyle.
Finland has a high standard of living with healthcare, free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, and good family benefits. The city of Jyväskylä is located in central Finland amidst Finnish lakes and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. It is a major educational center, whose large student population is responsible for a vibrant cultural scene. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä, and living in Finland, see the University's Handbook for international staff and visitors.
The initial annual salary will be approximately 30,000 EUR (gross income, including a holiday bonus). With progress of the thesis work, the salary will be revised in accordance with the Collective Agreement of Finnish Universities. The employment starts with a trial period of six months.
HOW TO APPLY
The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
For further details, please contact Associate Professor Suvi Ruuskanen, suvi.k.ruuskanen@jyu.fi.
The Environmental Physiology lab (Environmental Physiology Lab | University of Jyväskylä (jyu.fi), led by Suvi Ruuskanen, research fields are at the intersection of environmental sciences, ecotoxicology and physiological, behavioural and molecular ecology, thus we are integrative biologists. We are broadly interested in the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying organismal adaptation to environmental changes. These include, for example, physiology of stress and energetics, epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. We also have passion for understanding transgenerational and developmental plasticity.
The application form cannot be saved as draft. However, you have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout. After submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
The JYU is a nationally and internationally significant research university and an expert on education that focuses on human and natural sciences.
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