PDRA in Macroalgal Population Genetics

1000scholars; Oban; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

1000scholars seeks a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the SAMS Macroalgal Cultivation Team within the IBMC consortium. You will lead population genomics studies on kelp species, aiming to link genetic loci to growth and biochemical traits and to environmental parameters such as temperature and salinity.

Work will include advancing DNA extraction methods and long-read sequencing on the PromethION 2 Solo, plus developing analysis pipelines.

Qualifications

• PhD in population genomics or population genetics.
• Strong background in statistical design and analysis.
• Experience with R, Python or MATLAB.
• Proficient Unix/HPC CLI skills.
• Experience in genome sequencing, assembly or annotation is desirable.
• Good publication record for career stage.

Responsibilities

• Lead population genomics research on kelp species to identify genetic loci for phenotypes and environmental adaptation.
• Develop and optimize pipelines for data analysis and sequencing workflows.
• Contribute to DNA extraction protocol development and long-read sequencing using PromethION 2 Solo.
• Collaborate with the Macroalgal Cultivation Team and other partners.
• Support teaching activities related to Marine Biotechnology or seaweed aquaculture when needed.

Skills

Population genomics

R

Python

MATLAB

Unix CLI

Education

PhD in population genomics or population genetics

Tools

PromethION 2 Solo

Job description

Contract Type: Fixed Term; 3 years

The Role

The successful candidate will join the SAMS Macroalgal Cultivation Team to deliver research as part of the International Bioeconomy Macroalgal Centre (IBMC). This is an international consortium led by the UC Berkeley (funded by NSF); our funding is through UKRI BBSRC. This exciting and stimulating post will see you spearhead development of population genomics of two kelp species with the goal to leverage this data to support biodiversity conservation, biobanking and kelp farming in the UK and beyond.

Your research will focus on identifying genetic loci associated with kelp phenotypes such as growth rate, blade morphology and polysaccharide content; and identify genetic loci linked to environmental parameters, notably temperature and salinity. As a part of this research, you will have the opportunity to contribute to advancing DNA extraction protocols and long-read DNA sequencing of kelp genomes using our in-house PromethION 2 Solo sequencing platform; and developing (bio)informatic pipelines for analysis of this data. You will have the opportunity to explore the Scottish coastline during field collection trips.

The candidate will help the wider Macroalgal Cultivation Team to deliver research linked with social license, farm practice, metabolites and microbiomes. Depending on the candidates’ interests, the post holder may also contribute to teaching Marine Biotechnology module of SAMS Marine Science BSc degree, or seaweed aquaculture-related modules of SAMS ACES+ MSc degree.

International Bioeconomy Macroalgal Centre URL: IBMC

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher with an enthusiasm for population genomics and a desire to explore non-model agricultural systems. A PhD related to population genomics or population genetics is essential. You must be able to demonstrate expertise in statistical design and analysis. It is expected that you will be skilled in one or more programming languages (R, python, MATLAB) and competent using the Unix/HPC CLI.

Experience in genome sequencing, assembly and annotation, micro- or macro-algae or plant genetics or breeding are desirable.

You should be comfortable working in silico as in the laboratory or field and be able to work collaboratively as part of a small research team. You should have a good publication record commensurate with your career stage.

This post is available for UK sponsorship where candidates hold a relevant PhD qualification.

£32,546 to £38,249 per annum

Closing date for application is 12th October 2026 - Interviews to be held shortly after.