Location: Highfield Campus
Fixed Term (Until 31/12/2021)
Interview Date:   To be confirmed

We seek a Research Fellow to work on the project “The contribution of plasticity to adaptive divergence: domestication as a model”. The NERC/BBSRC co-funded project provides support until 31/12/2021 (with the possibility of extension) from 1st March 2021 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to work with Dr Mark Chapman in the Ecology and Evolution group at the University of Southampton (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/about/staff/mc1c12.page), co-supervised by Dr Tom Ezard in Ocean and Earth Science (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/about/staff/te1e12.page).

The goal of this project is to study the evolution of plasticity, comparing crops to their wild relatives, as a model for understanding the genetic basis and role of plasticity in adaptive divergence and the early emergence of new taxa. The project has been running for 2 years and we have generated genomic, transcriptomic and phenotypic data from multiple generations of plants. This will allow the candidate to compare both acclimation and adaptation responses to stress.

You will have a PhD* or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant subject area, with a strong evolutionary and genomic/transcriptomic component. A high level of competence in bioinformatics is required, with relevant experience demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals where possible. Competency in statistics and programming would be advantageous and experience with plants desirable. You should be an enthusiastic and highly motivated scientist, capable of contributing to developing your own research project, a good team worker and an excellent communicator.

Chapman and Ezard are interested in fusing evolutionary theory with experimental approaches, and you would be expected to contribute intellectually to the development of the project. A broad interest in evolution as a whole is required. The current work will use extensive greenhouse and laboratory experiments coupled with transcriptome, whole genome and methylome analyses to decipher the contribution of plasticity to adaptive divergence. It offers excellent potential for publishing in high impact journals and developing independent research agendas.

You will assume leadership on aspects of the project, including significant intellectual contribution, setting up experiments and involvement in making decisions about current and future research directions. You will work in a highly collaborative atmosphere supported by state-of-the-art research facilities that will provide a perfect environment to carry out the project.

For informal enquiries, please email Dr Mark Chapman (m.chapman@soton.ac.uk) in the first instance.

Equal Opportunities and Benefits: Biological Sciences holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

The University of Southampton has a generous maternity policy. Other benefits include state-of-the-art on-campus sports, arts and culture facilities, a full programme of events and a range of staff discounts.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application Procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Hannah Nash (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 1476821BJ on all correspondence.