Postdoctoral Researcher: Contribution of Genetic Background and Gut Microbiome on Thermal Physiology

Postdoctoral Researcher: Contribution of Genetic Background and Gut Microbiome on Thermal Physiology

University of Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä, Finland

A post-doctoral Researcher position is available at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in the group of Dr. Suvi Ruuskanen. The post-doctoral researcher will work on an ERC-funded project where the overarching aim is to understand the significance of the gut microbiome in thermal adaptations in birds within and across generations, and species. Starting date is flexible, preferably between 1.11.2025-30.1.2026.

All animals on our planet carry microorganisms in their gut. The gut microbiome has recently been shown to be strongly linked to health in humans and model animals and there is a complex two-way interaction between gut microbiome and host physiology. For example, our group recently showed how temperature-induced variation in gut microbiome can have causal effects on host thermal physiology. However, we still have limited knowledge on the relative contribution of gut microbiome on host traits and the interplay with host genetic background. In this project the post-doctoral research will study the contribution of host genetics and microbiome on cold tolerance by creating selection lines on thermal physiology, combined with microbiome-disturbance experiments, in an avian model system, the Japanese quail. In addition, the post-doc can contribute to other work on physiology, and gut microbiome and in the research group. The work is conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, with data collection at the Konnevesi Research Station, and collaborators include Dr. Barbara Tschirren (University of Exeter).

The postdoctoral researcher position will involve setting up selection lines of Japanese quails, leading and conducting physiological data and sample collection, contribution to laboratory analyses (physiological and molecular), bioinformatic analyses of 16s rRNA data, manuscript preparation and supervision of students.

Who we are looking for

• Suitable candidates should have a PhD in evolutionary biology, (eco)physiology, molecular biology or related field by the time of starting the position, strong interest in animal physiology, host-microbiome research and bioinformatics.
• We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, productive person, with good problem-solving and project management skills.
• The candidates should have experience of working with animals, some experience in laboratory analyses and strong analytical skills.
• The candidate is also expected to contribute intellectually to the project development.

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