ACAD108361

University of Bristol; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK research university is looking for a highly motivated molecular ecologist to join their team. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research on how reforestation influences ecosystem dynamics, specifically through the study of mycorrhizal networks and carbon movement. The successful candidate will utilize their bioinformatics expertise to analyze large datasets and coordinate field and lab work. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to impact the understanding of forest ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in bioinformatic processing of large datasets.
• Experience with partial or whole genome sequencing data.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and carry out field work across forest plots.
• Coordinate lab work for sequencing extraction.
• Process large datasets generated by RADseq.

Skills

Bioinformatic processing

Analysis of large datasets

Fieldwork experience

Education

PhD in ecology, biology, or related field

Tools

RADseq

Job description

We are excited to appoint a highly motivated molecular ecologist (Research Associate/Senior Research Associate) to join the European Research Council funded RECONNECT project, which will form part of University of Bristol's SAP Lab (Soil Animal Plant interactions Lab), led by Dr Hannah Griffiths. The aim of RECONNECT is to build the first complete picture of how contrasting reforestation approaches mediate the whole ecosystem movement of carbon from assimilation to stabilisation in the soil. The successful candidate will determine how forest creation effects belowground network connectivity by creating detailed, multi-species maps of mycorrhizal networks between trees in differently regenerating forests using genotyping‑by‑sequencing of root and fungal samples. Combined, the RECONNECT team will determine how reforestation strategies influence soil carbon stock accumulation and stability (PhD #1), the reassembly and structure of soil networks (this position) via differences in the quantity of carbon that enters soil foodwebs by the fast root‑fungus pathway (postdoctoral position #2), and whether observed differences cascade to impact the fast and slow pathways by which carbon enters and is stabilised in the soil (PhD position #2). You will work closely with the PI, Dr Hannah Griffiths, and other RECONNECT team members as well as collaboratively with the wider SAP Lab group.

This full time 3‑year position will involve a combination of field and lab work but crucially, we are seeking someone with the relevant technical expertise to generate, analyse and manage large datasets generated by restriction site‑associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) of fungal and tree‑root DNA to identify fungal individuals (genets) of any species (without the need for prior genomic information) on tree roots and link them to individual trees. With these key skills, you will address the following research goals (RG):

Research goals

• RG1: Test the widely held view that common mycorrhizal networks are ubiquitous in forests
• RG2: Understand how forest creation approaches influence the size and network characteristics of common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) both within and between forest types
• RG3: Assess the temporal dynamics of CMNs to uncover the interannual stability of mycelial connections between trees

This body of work will push the boundaries of understanding of the properties of common mycorrhizal networks and drivers of their reassembly with forest creation and as such, will fill major gaps in our fundamental understanding of the functioning of forest ecosystems.

What will you be doing?

• Coordinate and carry out field work across forest plots in England
• Coordinate lab‑work to extract root and fungus material for sequencing
• Carry out bioinformatic processing of resultant large datasets generated by RADseq
• Carry out network analyses and generate multi‑species maps of interconnected trees
• Lead in writing and dissemination of results in academic journals and present results at international conferences

You must have a PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. ecology, biology, molecular biology, population genetics), or be near completion (to be appointed at grade I); have demonstrated experience in bioinformatic processing of large molecular datasets; have demonstrated experience in partial or whole genome sequencing data to differentiate individuals within a population; to be appointed at grade J, you will have been further developing your technical bioinformatics and molecular skillsets in relevant research position post‑PhD; be a collegiate person who is able to work effectively as part of a team; have a track‑record of first author publications commensurate with career stage; some experience of field work is an advantage, but not essential.