PhD Position in population genetics/ecology

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) has a three-year PhD studentship (code 1017) to work on the project SNPFISK: "Use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms to improve fisheries management". The position is in the Research Group on Population Genetic and Ecology, and the work place is Tromsø.

The aim of the SNPFISK project is to develop a method for the rapid identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for fish species. SNPs will be developed for three target taxa: Greenland halibut, North Atlantic Redfish and Saithe. The three taxa span a wide geographical range in the North Atlantic, but the connections between possible sub-populations are still unresolved. In addition, species identification for redfish remains an acute problem for small individuals. The SNPs developed will be used to elucidate species identification (redfish) and population structure (all selected species). By resolving species identification and population structure the results are anticipated to support fisheries management advice for these key species in the North Atlantic. The successful candidate will carry out some laboratory work, conduct the statistical analyses and contribute to the implementation of the method in fisheries management in an ecological perspective.

As a part of the project, a stay at the University of Washington, Seattle USA, is planned.

We wish to appoint a highly motivated person with a master degree education in population genetic or ecology. Good knowledge of statistical inference and practical experience of statistical softwares is essential. Documented experience with SNP's and populations genetic theory is desirable.

Personal qualities such as good communication and cooperation skills, the ability to work independently, efficiently and purposefully, as well the ability to generate, implement and report project activities will be emphasised.

Candidates must meet the admission requirements at the University of Tromsø.

We offer:
• a positive, challenging and creative work environment
• the opportunity to work in a national institute with a high level of international contact
• flexible hours, a good pension scheme and a wide range of welfare services.

The Institute offers governmental regulated salaries as PhD student (code
1017).

For more information, please contact Project leader Torild Johansen, email: Torild.Johansen@imr.no, tel: +47 77 60 97 10, Senior Scientist Benjamin Planque, email: Benjamin.Planque@imr.no, tel: +47 77 60 97 21, or Research Group Leader Terje Svaasand,

email: Terje.Svaasand@imr.no, tel: +47 55236891 or visit our web-site at
www.imr.no.

The Institute of Marine Research is an "inclusive work-life" employer that encourages diversity, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply for this position. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please apply in writing, enclosing a CV, copies of relevant recommendations and academic transcripts together with a set of publications, to: Institute of Marine Research, Personnel Division, P.O. Box 1870 Nordnes, NO-5817 Bergen, Norway.

Application number: "09-11". Closing date for applications: 31.04.11.

Lorenz Hauser lhauser@uw.edu