New students
I encourage enthusiastic students who have a strong academic background and are interested in joining our research group to contact me directly to discuss potential postgraduate projects. Please note, the University of Auckland offers excellent PhD scholarships to outstanding students of all nationalities (With a GPA above 8). Applications are accepted at any time.
Open positions
Population genomics in Norway and Ship rat populations in Aotearoa - Fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position at the Anatomy Department, University of Otago, New Zealand 
Fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position: Population genomics in Norway and Ship rat populations in Aotearoa
Based at the Anatomy Department, University of Otago, New Zealand
Advisors
• Catherine Collins, University of Otago https://www.otago.ac.nz/anatomy/people/staff/profile/index.html?id=1742
• Maren Wellenreuther, Plant and Food Research & The University of Auckland
http://marenwellenreuther.com/
Te mahi/The Role
We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow to carry out research for the project: Population genomics in Norway and Ship rat populations in Aotearoa. The project is aiming to sequence >200 whole genomes (genome size over 2Gb) from an existing tissue database, and thus requires a researcher that is comfortable in the analyses of large genomic datasets. In addition to these already collected samples, there is scope to add additional samples to the analyses to fill critical spatial gaps in coverage. The resulting genomic SNP dataset, including structural variants, along with environmental data, will then be analysed to gain an understanding of population structure and gene flow in Norway and Ship rat populations in Aotearoa. This information will be used to inform future eradication measures in these species.
This project is funded by Predator Free 2050, and will be carried out as part of a broader PF 2050 project, investigating the application of genetic-based control methods to eradicate rat populations in Aotearoa. The applicant would be based in the Department of Anatomy, at the University of Otago, and working in collaboration with researchers from Plant and Food Research and the University of Auckland.
The Post Doc would also be joining the rich and supportive research community that is Genomic Aotearoa (https://www.genomics-aotearoa.org.nz/).
Kā pūkeka me kā wheako/Skills and Experience
We welcome applications from postdoctoral candidates who have experience in bioinformatics and working with large genomic datasets (whole genomes). Previous experience with population genomics and an understanding in ecology would be beneficial. The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and be able to work alongside a wide variety of people. In addition, they will have a strong commitment to research excellence with a track record of high research productivity based on international, peer-reviewed publications commensurate for their career stage.
Mō te tīma/About our team
Since its establishment in 1905 the Department of Anatomy has grown to become one of the largest Departments in the University. It is committed to excellence in its teaching and research.
The Department makes major contributions to the undergraduate and postgraduate education of students in science, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical laboratory sciences, and physical education. Its research activities fall within four interdisciplinary programmes encompassing: biological anthropology; clinical anatomy; neuroscience; reproduction, genomics and development.
Pūroko/Further Details
This is a full-time, fixed term position for two years.
You must have the right to work and live in New Zealand to apply for this position.
Applications from Māori and Pacific candidates, and tangata Tiriti, are warmly encouraged.
Specific enquiries may be directed to Dr Catherine Collins catherine.collins@otago.ac.nz
Tono/Application
To submit your application please include your CV and a cover letter and email these to
Dr Catherine Collins catherine.collins@otago.ac.nz and Maren Wellenreuther maren.wellenreuther@plantandfood.co.nz
Population genomic analysis of the Aotearoa New Zealand Yellowtail kingfish – haku for community-led aquaculture at Victoria University of Wellington (link)
PhD scholarship in Genomic Data Science: Developing novel genomic data science methods to support the selective breeding of species for aquaculture at New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited (link)
PhD Scholarship on the temporal and spatial community composition of biofouling on aquaculture structures (link)
PhD Scholarship on the reproductive development of Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) (link)