Project Description
The SponBIODIV project is an EU-funded international consortium aimed at establishing foundational knowledge about the diversity and distribution of sponges and delivering tools to improve management and conservation of sponges in the Atlantic and Mediterranean at the gene and species level, as well as their habitats. The project is anchored in establishing a trans-European and pan-Atlantic network of research organizations that will collaborate with key stakeholders to support evidence-based policy for management, conservation, and restoration of marine biodiversity, from coastal areas to deep-sea ecosystems. One of the SponBIODIV objectives at Uppsala University is to identify biodiversity and phylodiversity hotspots in European waters, focusing on several case study areas, one of which is the Norwegian coast. Another key objective at Uppsala University is to identify knowledge gaps in sponge DNA barcoding.
Work Duties
Museum assistants will help compile and analyze molecular data for a review of sponge DNA barcodes to be published. Applicants are expected to compile barcode data from various online repositories. Tasks include literature searches, statistical analyses and figure production, as well as writing certain sections of the review. Finally, processing, species identification, and registration of barcoded sponge museum collections are also expected.
Qualification Requirements
Doctoral degree in sponge systematics, or equivalent, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctoral degree. The applicant may not yet have completed their doctoral degree at the time of application, but the doctoral dissertation must be at least submitted. The project requires extensive knowledge of sponge systematics and sponge DNA barcoding, as well as good experience with molecular databases and R. The candidate is expected to work independently and have an interest in sponge taxonomy and DNA barcoding. The candidate is expected to work independently, take own initiative, and collaborate with colleagues both within and outside the research group. The position is in an international context, so strong oral and written communication skills in English are required. Finally, significant weight will be placed on personal suitability such as: analytical and organizational ability, personal maturity, ability to collaborate with others, take initiative, and demonstrate good judgment.
About the Position
The employment is limited to 6 months (50%), alternatively 3 months (100%), according to central collective agreement. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.
For further information about the position, please contact: Associate Professor Paco Cárdenas, [email protected]. Please submit your application by September 29, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2744.
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who with curiosity and commitment make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.
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The employment may be subject to security vetting. For security vetting, it is a condition of employment that the applicant is approved.
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