Work type: Full-time
Department: Research Division for Ecology and Biodiversity (26020)
Categories: Academic-related Staff

Applications are invited for appointment as Research Assistant Professor (RAP) (1 post) /Post-doctoral Fellows (PDF) (2 posts) in Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics in the Research Division for Ecology and Biodiversity (Ref.: 502646), to commence as soon as possible on a three-year fixed-term basis for RAP, or on a three-year temporary basis for PDFs.

The Faculty of Science provides a supportive and friendly environment and has embarked on a programme of recruitment to invest in areas of acknowledged strength and internationally competitive activity.  Information about the Faculty can be obtained at https://www.scifac.hku.hk/ and https://www.cpao.hku.hk/firstandforemost/rankings.

The Research Division for Ecology and Biodiversity (DEB) is one of the six Research Divisions in the Faculty of Science. DEB oversees a range of projects on fundamental research in ecology and evolution as well as applied work on environmental change, wildlife forensics and conservation.  It has strengths in ecology, evolutionary and environmental biology, marine sciences, as well as in global change and conservation biology. For more information on DEB, please visit: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/research/research-divisions-and-units/research-divisions/ebd.

Applicants should possess a Ph.D. degree in Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Computational Biology, or related fields. For RAP, a strong academic track record with earlier post-doctoral experience and high level of scholarly accomplishments is expected. For PDFs, applicants are expected to have a strong academic track record, and previous post-doctoral experience would be desirable. Experience in analyses of large genome-wide genotyping and/or whole genome re-sequencing datasets is considered as an advantage for all positions. Well-merited applicants with other types of experiences will also be considered. The appointees will supervise PhD and MSc students, and work as a team to strengthen and build up research in ecological genetics at DEB. They will be given freedom in choosing their research direction within one of the following themes: i) studies in intra- and interspecific variation in mutation rates, ii) the role of introgression in establishing invasive bird species in Hong Kong, or iii) ecological genetics and genomics of hole-nesting passerines in Hong Kong. Opportunities to work with existing extensive genome re-sequencing and QTL-cross datasets of stickleback fishes are also provided. The RAP appointee is expected to apply additional research funding through the many funding instruments available in Hong Kong. Enquiries about the post should be sent to Professor Merilä at merila@hku.hk.

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. At current rates, salaries tax does not exceed 15% of gross income. The appointment for RAP will attract a contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary.

The University only accepts online application for the above posts. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V., publication list and a letter of intent explaining why they would like to be considered for the position, and expression of their research interests in PDF format. They should also arrange 2 referees to send reference letters to Professor Merilä by e-mail (merila@hku.hk) directly. Review of applications will commence as soon as possible and continue until February 28, 2021, or until the posts are filled, whichever is earlier.