The role: we are seeking to appoint a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how the interplay between genetic constraints, phenotypic plasticity and environmental fluctuations drives the repeatability of evolution. The successful candidate will construct a variety of mutant libraries (from single genes to multi-strain consortia), which s/he will then subject to high-throughput fitness assays and evolve-and-resequence experiments.

Profile: the ideal candidate should be highly-motivated to increase our molecular understanding of evolutionary processes. Preference will be given to those with a strong background in molecular genetics or synthetic biology in bacteria, but candidates with backgrounds in plant-microbe interactions or experimental evolution are also welcome. Expertise in modular gene assembly (e.g. Gibson, golden gate) or high-throughput techniques (e.g.,TnSeq, multiplexed mutagenesis) is desirable. Good English communication skills, both written and oral, are essential.

Details: we anticipate the position having a substantial degree of independence. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation. There will be ample opportunity for career development, including the possibility to co-supervise PhD, MSc and undergraduate students, apply for funding, teaching and present her/his work on international conferences. The position offers a highly competitive salary with all the benefits of the Spanish National Social Security System, comprising generous sick/maternity/paternity leaves and health, unemployment and retirement insurances. The post is available from September 2020 for 2 years in the first instance, renewable for additional years.

Environment: the successful candidate will join a young, international team led by Dr Couce at the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP), a mixed research centre supported by the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) and the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA). The centre is funded through the Severo Ochoa Excellence program, an award reserved only to the top research institutions across all disciplines in the country. The everyday working language in the laboratory is English, and most administrative tasks, training and seminars arranged by the centre are conducted in English. Being the third-largest metropolitan area in the EU, Madrid is a vibrant, multicultural hub with a high quality of life and a thriving cultural scene.

How to apply: Interested candidates please send a single PDF file with a motivation letter and a CV including publication list to Dr Alejandro Couce (a.couce@upm.es). Candidates short-listed for interview will be additionally requested two recommendation letters. Please include the word “EvolRepeatMicrob” in the subject line.