Museum assistant position in marine sponge barcoding

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 coast.

Duties
The museum assistant will produce DNA barcodes (28S COI 18S) from a large sponge collection from Norway collected during the Polarstern ARK XII 2007 Expedition housed at the Museum of Evolution Uppsala University. These barcodes will be used by a postdoc researcher to help with the identification of the species and for sponge systematics and sponge community studies. The applicant is expected to drive the molecular work barcoding pipeline (tissue subsampling DNA extraction PCR sending for sequencing). Some processing of specimens and registration of the sponge collections is also expected.

Requirements
Msc degree in systematics or biodiversity or similar or a foreign degree equivalent to a Msc degree. The candidate may be in the position of finishing the Msc degree at the time of the application but the Msc thesis must be at least submitted. The project requires good experience in a molecular laboratory and DNA barcoding routines. Previous knowledge in sponge systematics and sponge DNA barcoding is an advantage. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently 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 employment is a temporary position of 6 months according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position please contact: Docent Paco Cárdenas

Please submit your application by 30th of September 2026 UFV-PA 2026/2700

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