Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (BIPD) | Biological Sciences, Computer Sciences (or related scientific fields)
Reference: BIOPOLIS 2023-63
Job description:
Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (BIPD)
Reference: BIOPOLIS 2023-63
Main research field: Biological Sciences, Computer Sciences (or related scientific fields)
A Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (BIPD) (Reference BIOPOLIS 2023-63) on the scope of the project PLACES (2022.08134.PTDC) supported by National Funds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, at Associação BIOPOLIS to develop a machine learning model to predict which evolutionary, ecological and environmental factors are determinants of intraspecific genetic diversity and cryptic diversity across taxonomic groups and regions, with Silvia Carvalho as scientific coordinator.
Eligibility Requirements:
Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in Biology or a related scientific field in the Natural Sciences, or in Computer Science or related sciences. They should demonstrate previous experience with biogeographic data analysis in a spatial context using geographic information systems (GIS) or programming language. Previous experience in R programming is desired. Relevant publication history will be valued, particularly in the areas of biogeography and/or ecological modeling. Proficiency in spoken and written English is crucial.
The candidates' Ph.D. degree must have been obtained less than 3 years ago and, with the celebration of the new contract, cannot complete 36 months as a post-doctoral fellow. The Ph.D. must have been developed in a different institution.
Working plan:
The project will focus mainly on the development of a Machine Learning model to predict the factors that determine intraspecific genetic diversity in different taxonomic groups and regions. Within the project, the following tasks will be developed: 1) Compile environmental, genetic, geographic, and functional data; 2) Identify which species contain cryptic diversity; Map intraspecific genetic diversity; 3) Train a machine learning model to predict which species contain cryptic diversity and what factors determine the spatial distribution of intraspecific genetic diversity; 4) Prepare two manuscripts to be submitted to indexed scientific journals; and 5) Make oral presentations at conferences. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with all team members, fostering the opportunity to acquire data-science skills and network growth.
The project will focus mainly on the development of a Machine Learning model to predict the factors that determine intraspecific genetic diversity in different taxonomic groups and regions. Within the project, the following tasks will be developed: 1) Compile environmental, genetic, geographic, and functional data; 2) Identify which species contain cryptic diversity; Map intraspecific genetic diversity; 3) Train a machine learning model to predict which species contain cryptic diversity and what factors determine the spatial distribution of intraspecific genetic diversity; 4) Prepare two manuscripts to be submitted to indexed scientific journals; and 5) Make oral presentations at conferences. The candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with all team members, fostering the opportunity to acquire data-science skills and network growth.
Applicable Legislation:
Law nº.40/2004, 18th August (Research Fellow Statute) amended and republished by Decreto-Lei n.º 123/2019, 28th August; FCT Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships (https://www.fct.pt/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/bolsas/).
Law nº.40/2004, 18th August (Research Fellow Statute) amended and republished by Decreto-Lei n.º 123/2019, 28th August; FCT Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships (https://www.fct.pt/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/bolsas/).
Work Place:
The work will preferentially be carried out at the CIBIO-InBIO headquarters at Campus Universitário de Vairão, Vila do Conde, but semi-remote options can be considered.
The work will preferentially be carried out at the CIBIO-InBIO headquarters at Campus Universitário de Vairão, Vila do Conde, but semi-remote options can be considered.
Duration of the fellowship: The fellowship will have a duration of 24 months.
Monthly stipend:
Monthly stipend is € 1 741,00 according to the stipends established by FCT, I.P. in Portugal (http://alfa.fct.mctes.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores). Payment will be made by bank transfer on a monthly basis. The successful candidate will also be entitled to the reimbursement of Social Security payments (Seguro Social Voluntário) and accident insurance.
Monthly stipend is € 1 741,00 according to the stipends established by FCT, I.P. in Portugal (http://alfa.fct.mctes.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores). Payment will be made by bank transfer on a monthly basis. The successful candidate will also be entitled to the reimbursement of Social Security payments (Seguro Social Voluntário) and accident insurance.
Selection criteria:
The jury panel will select the best candidate, from those meeting the eligibility requirements above, based on his/her merit, through the analysis of:
The jury panel will select the best candidate, from those meeting the eligibility requirements above, based on his/her merit, through the analysis of:
- Overall appreciation of the Curriculum Vitae (80%) namely: (a) experience with R programming (40%); (b) experience analyzing biogeographic data and using geographic information system tools (GIS) (20%); and (c) proven experience in writing publications (20%).
- Motivation letter (20%).
If deemed justifiable by the jury, the two best candidates in the provisional classification (70%) will be summoned for an interview (30%), in person or by videoconference, to determine the final classification.
The jury may not award the scholarship if the candidates' resumes are not in line with the intended qualifications.
Jury composition:
The Jury will be chaired by Dr. Silvia Carvalho (CIBIO), having as effective members Dr. Angelica Crottini (CIBIO) and Dr. Pedro Tarroso (CIBIO) and substitute member Dr. José Carlos Brito (CIBIO).
Publicity and communication of results:
The ranking of applications will be published in a visible and public area of Institution facilities, and all candidates will be informed by email about the result of their application.
The ranking of applications will be published in a visible and public area of Institution facilities, and all candidates will be informed by email about the result of their application.
Application:
The call for applications is open between 15th September and 15h October 2023. The applications are formalized at the electronic address http://www.cibio.pt with the following documents in a digital form, in PDF format:
The call for applications is open between 15th September and 15h October 2023. The applications are formalized at the electronic address http://www.cibio.pt with the following documents in a digital form, in PDF format:
a) Curriculum vitae (including academic training and professional career, a publication list, other relevant information in the context of the project research goals, email address, and copies of certificates of academic degrees);
b) Motivation letter (including a brief description of research experience, why the candidate is suitable for the announced position, and whether he/she might be interested in continuing to work in this scientific field in the future).
The start date of the grant is expected 1st December 2023.