Postdoctoral Researcher in Primate Genomics (Fixed Term for 12 months)

Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Liverpool John Moores University invites applications for a 12‑month Postdoctoral Researcher position in primate genomics. Based with the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences in Liverpool, the post focuses on genetic diversity and history of Barbary macaques, with samples from hair, blood, tissue and faeces.

The role involves bioinformatics and population genetics analyses (R/Python) and may be renewed for a second year with field sampling in North Africa.

Qualifications

• PhD in conservation and population genomics or related field.
• Direct experience with primate samples and data is preferred.
• Experience extracting DNA from hair, blood, tissue and faecal samples.
• Ability to build an interactive database of macaque individuals and genetic relationships.

Responsibilities

• Extract DNA from macaque biobank samples and perform analyses.
• Produce an interactive database linking individuals and genetic relationships.

Skills

Primatology

Genomics

Conservation

Bioinformatics

R

Python

Population genetics

Population modelling

Education

PhD

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The School of Biological and Environmental Sciences has a broad and varied range of taught programmes across the biosciences, environmental sciences, and geography. All programmes encompass both fundamental and applied branches across fields and the majority of taught programmes are accredited by relevant professional bodies. We are committed to providing students with teaching of remarkable diversity and quality, which is reflected in high levels of student performance and satisfaction.

We are involved in extensive research and collaborate with academics in every continent across the world. Our expertise lies in the disciplines of anthropology, animal behaviour, evolutionary and environmental genetics, epigenetics, ecology, geography, climate change and environmental sustainability.

Trentham Monkey Forest has partnered with the Plastic Primates Lab at LJMU to fund a 12-month Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on understanding our knowledge about the genetic diversity and history of Barbary macaques, an IUCN Red Listed primate.

You will have a PhD qualification and experience in conservation and population genomics, with a preference for those with direct experience working with primate samples and data.

Post-specific duties will include:

• Extracting and analysing DNA from the existing biobanks of hair, blood, tissue and faecal samples.
• Producing an interactive database of all macaque individuals and their genetic relationships.

The post may be renewed for a further 12 months; the second phase will involve further sampling of wild macaques in Morocco and Algeria.

You will have:

• Strong interest and/or training in primatology, genomics, conservation or related fields.
• Skilled in bioinformatics and statistical analyses (using R and/or Python) for population genetic analyses and population modelling.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do. Find out more about working at LJMU here.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

The School is committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter for promoting the career of Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in higher education. We particularly welcome applications from women for this post and all appointments will be made on merit.