A two-year postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm. The position is placed within professor Mats Wedin’s research group and is a part of the project “Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae in Sweden” funded by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative. The research group has several additional projects funded by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative and the Swedish Research Council, focussing on taxonomic and phylogenetic biodiversity questions in lichens and associated organisms.
Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae in Sweden
Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae together form a strongly supported clade within the major group of Ascomycota that form lichen symbioses with cyanobacteria (Peltigerales). Until very recently, the generic classification of the Collemataceae s. str. was based solely on one character, presence (Leptogium) or absence (Collema) of a cellular cortex. Collema and Leptogium were recently confirmed as highly non-monophyletic, and a new classification was suggested accepting ten mostly well supported groups as genera. There are a couple of generic delimitation problem remaining, but most of the problems in Sweden are species delimitation issues. The sister-group of Collemataceae is Placynthiaceae, a group of comparatively small saxicolous lichens, which is a poorly understood and understudied group. Collemataceae and Placynthiaceae include numerous species delimitation problems. The current species taxonomies in the Nordic countries are based on morphological investigations from the pre-molecular era. The present project aims at resolving species delimitations and remaining generic delimitation questions in these groups, in Sweden and neighbouring areas.
Candidates have a recent PhD in systematics/evolutionary biology or similar, with experience in lichenology and/or mycology. A demonstrated publication record and excellent English communication and writing skills are expected. Good knowledge in molecular lab work, phylogenetics and light microscopy are required, as is experience with independent field work. Knowledge with the groups under study is a strong advantage, as is experience in phylogenetic and coalescent-based species-delimitation studies. A valid driving licence is also an advantage. The successful candidate will mainly pursue own research, but is expected to participate also in other collaborations and undertake some administration (lab management duties) subject to discussion.
The preferred starting date is April 1st 2017, but can be discussed. The appointment is for two years.
For more information please contact professor Mats Wedin (mats.wedin@nrm.se). Union representative is Johannes Lundberg, SACO-S. Both can be reached at telephone number + 46 8 519 540 00.
Mark your application, including a cover letter outlining relevant background, experience and motivation, your CV including a list of publications, contact information for two references, and copies of educational certificates, with dnr 2.3.1-777-2016, and send it as a single pdf document to rekrytering@nrm.se (copy to mats.wedin@nrm.se) or to the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden, no later than January 28th, 2017.