Post-doctoral position in microbial ecological informatics The Joint Research Group for Deep Sea Ecology and Technology

between the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and the Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology (MPI) seeks a candidate for a post-doctoral position in microbial ecology/bioinformatics/ecological modeling. The candidate will be involved in the application and development of ecological modeling tools in the field of marine microbiology in the framework of the Eu project Micro B3 (http://www.microb3.eu/). The Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) is one of the world leading polar research organizations, which focuses on climate, marine and coastal issues. AWI scientists investigate the status and the variations of the global environment from a marine and polar perspective. In situ observations combined with modeling are used to elucidate natural processes. The joint research group between Deep-Sea Ecology and Technology and the Max Planck Institute (MPI) in Bremen was established to foster marine research in the deep Arctic Ocean and combines expertise in microbial habitat description, biogeochemistry, microbial molecular tools, and ecological modeling. The successful candidate will be based at the molecular laboratory facilities of the MPI in Bremen. Tasks The researcher will be involved in an ecoinformatics initiative to develop bioinformatics tools to facilitate the use of existing ecological data. There will be ample opportunity for independent and collaborative research in related areas of macroecology, community ecology, theoretical ecology, and ecoinformatics. Within the framework of Micro B3, the researcher will 1) evaluate the performance of multivariate models to describe, visualize and interpret ecological patterns by using broad-scale data on, 2) develop R scripts to allow other researchers to efficiently analyze their datasets, 3) conduct ecological analyses, and publish the results in international journals, and 4) work collaboratively with database managers, microbiologists, computer scientists and participate in developing new areas of research. The candidate - PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Ecology, Physics, Mathematics, Biostatistics or related fields. - Expertise or strong interest in one or more areas among biostatistics, community ecology, multivariate analysis, machine learning algorithms, interaction network, and bioinformatics is highly desirable. Candidates with research interests in the development of novel analytic methods in community ecology or interaction network are particularly encouraged to apply - Proven skills in scripting (R, Perl, C/C++) and experience with Linux/Unix environments - Practical experience in high-throughput data analysis, data management, data mining/integration. - Self-motivation, excellent communication skills, ability to work and integrate well in an international working environment - Language: Excellent command of English, written and spoken. German would be advantageous for living in Germany but is not required for the position. AWI and the MPI strive to increase the proportion of female scientists. Therefore, female candidates are specifically encouraged to apply.

Disabled applicants with identical technical and personal qualification will be preferentially selected. The AWI is an equal opportunity employer. AWI supports balanced work-life career development via a variety of schemes. Application Procedure Please send a CV, full contact information for 3 referees, and a brief statement of research interests that explains how your accomplishment and professional goals match the description of the position, along with copies of up to 3 relevant publications. These materials must be e-mailed as a single pdf file to Dr. Alban Ramette at aramette@mpi-bremen.de. The starting date is scheduled to be January 2012. Appointment is for two years with possibility of extension. Evaluation of applications will start immediately until a suitable candidate is found.