A postdoctoral position is available at the University of Helsinki, Finland to work in Prof. Craig Primmer’s research group (http://www.helsinki.fi/evolution-conservation-and-genomics ). The position is a part of a research program aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of a large effect locus controlling age at maturity in Atlantic salmon (see Barson et al. 2015; Kurko et al 2020; Verta et al. 2019). Salmon age at maturity is a key fitness-related trait, where 40% of maturation age variation is linked to the genotype at the vgll3 locus.

The postdoc will be responsible for conducting and co-supervising research within the project using genomic, cellular and/or physiological approaches to understand how the candidate genes, and genes they interact with, influence age at maturity in salmon. The project could involve aspects of e.g. the following; gene co-regulation inference, single cell RNA-seq, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, Tol2-mediated reporter assays etc. As the project has been running for several years, various tissue samples from developmental time series are already available, but collection of additional material is also possible, as is development of transgenic lines.This work is complemented by molecular, ecological, evolutionary and quantitative genetic research being conducted within the same project by others in the group.

An appointee to the position shall hold a doctoral degree and have the ability to conduct independent scholarly work.. Suitable applicants will have a strong background in functional genomics or molecular biology in any species as demonstrated by publications in relevant fields and will show an interest in developing the most recent functional genomics approaches in Atlantic salmon. Experience with characterization of transcription co-factor interaction partners, and/or methodologies used in genome editing and reporter assays, single-cell sequencing, lipidomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics or proteomics, is also advantageous as is knowledge of bioinformatics and an interest in evolutionary biology. The ability to work as a part of a larger research team addressing related questions is also important.

The position is initially available until 8/2022, possibly with a 1 one year extension option. The salary will be based on level 5 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities. In addition, the appointee will be paid a salary component based on personal performance with the overall starting salary amounting to c. 3052-3580 EUR per month, depending on the previous relevant research experience of the candidate.

Formal applications should include as a single pdf file:
- a CV including a list of publications and with names and contact details of at least two referees
- a max. 2 page letter of motivation

To apply, please submit your application using the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system via the link Apply for the position. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki are requested to submit their application via the SAP HR portal.

The deadline for applications is 10 June 2020, with the preferred starting date being 9/2020.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Professor Craig Primmer (craig.primmer(at)helsinki.fi).

Finland is a member of the EU, has high quality free schooling (also in English), very affordable childcare, generous family benefits and healthcare, and was recently ranked as the best country in the world for expat families and in the world’s top ten most livable cities. The University of Helsinki is a top 100 ranked university in most ranking lists, and is currently investing heavily in life science research (see https://www.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-life-science). Primmer’s research is funded by the ERC and the Finnish Academy, and the group currently consists of around 20 people, including 6 post docs, 6 PhD students and 6 research assistants with 11 different nationalities.

Relevant articles:
Barson et al. (2015) Sex-dependent dominance at a single locus maintains variation in age at maturity in salmon. Nature 528:405–408.

Kurko et al. (2020). Transcription profiles of age-at-maturity-associated genes suggest cell fate commitment regulation as a key factor in the Atlantic salmon maturation process. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, 10(1), 235–246.

Verta et al. (2019). Regulatory divergence in vgll3 underlies variation in age at maturity in male Atlantic salmon. BioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/777300v1