Two museum assistants in marine sponge barcoding and systematics

Project description

The project SponBIODIV is an EU-funded international consortium aimed at establishing diversity and distribution baseline knowledge and deliver tools to improve management and conservation of sponges (phylum Porifera) across the Atlantic and Mediterranean, at the levels of genes, species, and habitats. The project is anchored on the establishment of a trans-European and pan-Atlantic network of research organizations that will engage with key stakeholders to support evidence-based policies for management, conservation, and restoration of marine biodiversity, from coastal areas to deep-sea ecosystems. One of the SponBIODIV aims at Uppsala University is to identify hotspots of bio- and phylodiversity in European waters, focusing on several case study areas, one of which is the Norwegian Sea. Another major aim at Uppsala University is to identify knowledge gaps in sponge barcoding.

Duties

The museum assistants will help to compile and analyze molecular data for a review on sponge DNA barcodes to be published. The applicant is expected to compile barcoding data from different online repositories. The duties include literature searches, statistical analyses and figure production, as well as writing of some parts of the review. Finaly, processing, species identification and registration of the barcoded sponge museum collections is also expected.

Requirements

PhD degree in sponge systematics, or similar or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The candidate may be in the position of finishing the PhD degree at the time of the application, but the PhD thesis must be at least submitted. The project requires extensive knowledge on sponge systematics and sponge barcoding, as well as good experience with molecular data repositories and R. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and to have an interest in sponge taxonomy and DNA barcoding. In addition, the candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. The position is in an international context so good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability such as; analytical and organizational skills, personal maturity, ability to work with others, take initiatives, and to show good judgement.

About the employment

The employments are two temporary positions of 6 months (50%), or alternatively 3 months (100%), according to central collective agreement. Starting date 1st of October 2026 or agreement with the employer. Placement: Uppsala*.*

For further information about the position, please contact: Docent Paco Cárdenas, paco.cardenas@em.uu.se.

**Please submit your application by 30th of September 2026, UFV-PA 2026/**2744

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala Universityhttps://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment. Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system. Employee organizations: Saco-S - saco-s@uu.se, Seko - seko@uadm.uu.se, ST (OFR/S) - ofr@uu.se

Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: deltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 50 | Ort: Uppsala | Län: Uppsala län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2026/2744 | Publicerat: 2026-09-16 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-09-30