Postdoctoral Researcher For The Projectes Rapidevol And Life Reptiles (Ref. 26-035- Iv00107)

Descripción del puesto:

CREAF is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work in the RAPIDEVOL project (Unravelling human-induced rapid evolution of animals: the role of behavior as a driver of rapid adaptation to new selective pressures) with ref. PID2024-162951NB-I00 and funded by Ministerio de Ciencias, Innovacion y Universidades y la Agencia Estatal de Investigación and the LIFE REPTILES project (Preventing Extinction and Safeguarding Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity of Endemic Island Lizards Threatened by Biological Invasions by Snakes in the Canary and Balearic Islands) with ref. LIFE25-NAT-ES-LIFE Reptiles and funded by European Commission.
In this project the postdoctoral researcher will characterize genetically the populations of lizards from islets around the island of Ibiza. She/he will also conduct genomic analyses (WGS) of native lizards and invasive snakes, regarding their variation in morphology and behavior. Finally, the candidate will also assist in the characterization of genetic variation of invasive snakes as compared to their mainland populations of origin.
A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with immediate incorporation and a duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension if required and if the budget allows. The gross annual salary offered is EUR 34.126,49 (corresponding to category I4).

MAIN FUNCTIONS
* Conduct original research in evolutionary ecology and population genomics aimed at understanding the genetic, phenotypic, and ecological mechanisms involved in rapid adaptation processes under global change.
* Lead and perform advanced genomic and transcriptomic analyses, including processing, quality control, assembly, annotation, and biological interpretation of high-throughput sequencing data.
* Participate in the design, coordination, and implementation of field and laboratory experiments to study eco-evolutionary processes, local adaptation, and responses to environmental change in natural populations.
* Integrate genomic, transcriptomic, ecological, and phenotypic data to address questions related to adaptation, biological invasions, and eco-evolutionary dynamics.
* Contribute to the planning and execution of intensive fieldwork campaigns, including extended sampling in insular and Mediterranean systems.
* Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts and the publication of results in leading international journals.
* Present results at international scientific conferences and meetings.
* Collaborate in the preparation of competitive proposals, including research projects and calls for predoctoral and postdoctoral talent recruitment.
* Contribute to the supervision of students and early-career research staff.

REQUIREMENTS

* PhD in Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, or related disciplines.
* Proven experience in evolutionary ecology, evolutionary genomics, or population genetics.
* Track record of scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals, including significant contributions as first or corresponding author.
* Demonstrated ability to lead the writing of scientific manuscripts for leading international journals.
* Advanced experience in the analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies.
* Proven experience in whole-genome analyses (WGS), transcriptomics (RNA-seq), and other omics approaches applied to ecological and evolutionary questions.
* Experience in bioinformatics applied to non-model organisms and in developing reproducible analysis pipelines.
* Experience working in Linux environments, scientific programming, and the use of high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructures.
* Specific experience in vertebrate genomics and/or transcriptomics, preferably reptiles.
* Demonstrated experience in designing field and laboratory experiments in evolutionary ecology.
* Experience in sampling natural populations and participation in long-term fieldwork campaigns.
* Experience in integrating ecological, phenotypic, and molecular data.
* Demonstrated ability to develop competitive research proposals and to apply for postdoctoral talent recruitment programs.
* Experience presenting results at international conferences in the relevant research field.
* Ability to work effectively in international and multidisciplinary teams.
* Proficiency in spoken and written scientific English.

ASESSABLE CONDITIONS
* Experience in adaptive genomics, rapid evolution, or eco-evolutionary processes associated with biological invasions.
* Experience in insular systems or Mediterranean ecosystems.
* Experience in the integrative analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic data.
* Experience in supervising undergraduate or master's students.
* Participation in international research networks.
* Experience in knowledge transfer and science communication.

SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA
* Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until June 21st, 2026. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF's job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
* Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
* Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
* Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.

JOB OFFER IN PDF