PDRA in Macroalgal Population Genetics

Contract Type: Fixed Term; 3 years

The Role

The successful candidate will join the SAMS Macroalgal Cultivation Team to deliver research as part of the International Bioeconomy Macroalgal Centre (IBMC). This is an international consortium led by the UC Berkeley (funded by NSF); our funding is through UKRI BBSRC. This exciting and stimulating post will see you spearhead development of population genomics of two kelp species with the goal to leverage this data to support biodiversity conservation, biobanking and kelp farming in the UK and beyond.

Your research will focus on identifying genetic loci associated with kelp phenotypes such as growth rate, blade morphology and polysaccharide content; and identify genetic loci linked to environmental parameters, notably temperature and salinity. As a part of this research, you will have the opportunity to contribute to advancing DNA extraction protocols and long-read DNA sequencing of kelp genomes using our in-house PromethION 2 Solo sequencing platform; and developing (bio)informatic pipelines for analysis of this data. You will have the opportunity to explore the Scottish coastline during field collection trips.

The candidate will help the wider Macroalgal Cultivation Team to deliver research linked with social license, farm practice, metabolites and microbiomes. Depending on the candidates’ interests, the post holder may also contribute to teaching Marine Biotechnology module of SAMS Marine Science BSc degree, or seaweed aquaculture-related modules of SAMS ACES+ MSc degree.

International Bioeconomy Macroalgal Centre URL: IBMC

Our Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher with an enthusiasm for population genomics and a desire to explore non-model agricultural systems. A PhD related to population genomics or population genetics is essential. You must be able to demonstrate expertise in statistical design and analysis. It is expected that you will be skilled in one or more programming languages (R, python, MATLAB) and competent using the Unix/HPC CLI.

Experience in genome sequencing, assembly and annotation, micro- or macro-algae or plant genetics or breeding are desirable.

You should be comfortable working in silico as in the laboratory or field and be able to work collaboratively as part of a small research team. You should have a good publication record commensurate with your career stage.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to people@sams.ac.uk  

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent by email via the ‘Apply’ button above (recruitment@sams.ac.uk) quoting Job Ref. ‘D16/26.MS’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for application is 12^th October 2026 - Interviews to be held shortly after. 

This post is available for UK sponsorship where candidates hold a relevant PhD qualification.

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