Research Assistant

Are you interested in working with animal microbiomes, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a TA position at Uppsala University.

The TA will be based in the Animal Ecology program at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Sweden. They will be part of Elin Videvall’s lab group, who study wildlife microbiomes. The project will investigate the diet and gut microbiomes of reindeer calves using different metabarcoding techniques.

Duties

Molecular wet lab work of animal fecal samples. Including DNA extraction using the Qiagen PowerFecal Pro kit, PCR of various genes targeting bacteria, diet, and parasites.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree or a foreign equivalent to a doctoral degree in ecology or a related field. We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and proficient researcher. Expertise in the field of animal microbiomes is necessary. Extensive wet lab experience required, including with the specific DNA extraction kit. The ideal candidate is a collaborative team player with a strong interest in diets and microbiomes of wildlife. They have demonstrated strong academic writing skills and are proficient in both written and spoken English. Documented publications in peer-reviewed journals is a requirement.

Additional qualifications

Knowledge and experience working with wildlife microbiomes using metabarcoding techniques. Experience working with diet metabarcoding in combination with microbiomes will be extremely beneficial.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position for 3 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 Nov 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala. 

For further information about the position, please contact:

Elin Videvall, elin.videvall@ebc.uu.se

Instructions on how to apply

The application should include: 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, and why you are interested in the position, 2) your CV, 3) a copy of your doctoral degree certificate, 4) the names and contact details of two referees, and 5) a list of relevant publications. The application should preferably be written in English.

Please submit your application by 11 september 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2457.