Call for the Second Scientific Lead in Planetary Biology Strategic Area at SciLifeLab

SciLifeLab seeks a second Scientific Lead to continue developing the Planetary Biology Strategic Area  (PB) – connecting the unique competences of SciLifeLab’s infrastructure platforms, technologies, and data-driven science with the research communities in the field of environmental life sciences.

PB is a diverse, dynamic and evolving research area with strong global impact. We encourage an inclusive definition ranging from single molecules and cells to species, communities, ecosystems and their services for the planet.

The appointed Scientific Lead for PB will plan synergies arising from existing opportunities, such as i) the existing SciLifeLab infrastructure and platforms, ii) the present and future scientific communities in this field, iii) the DDLS program and the relevant research areas, iv) opportunities provided by international links as well as national and international grant programs. The candidate will drive fundraising, dialogue with Swedish Universities, SciLifeLab national sites, governmental agencies and industry.

Assignment

The current PB strategic area is led by Olga Vinnere Pettersson together with a reference group of three Co-Leads, Nathaniel Street, Jacob Höglund and Anders Andersson who are supported by the Scientific Coordinator.  This advertisement is for the second Scientific Lead, who together with the Lead, the Co-Lead and the Scientific Coordinator will develop the future of the strategic area. Additional Co-leads will be recruited to fill specific gaps in coverage of the PB community.

Candidates should be at the senior group leader / professor level in their career stage, with a well-documented track record in cross-disciplinary research within environmental life sciences. The applicant should be able to dedicate up to 30% FTE for this assignment.

SciLifeLab will compensate the host department of the selected candidate(s) with a fixed sum as support for the assignment according to commitment. SciLifeLab is committed to represent the nation-wide community of researchers, hence we strongly encourage applications from scientists outside Uppsala University.

We expect the ideal candidate to have:

• Interest and ability to devote a part of his/her time over several years to plan and execute activities of the PB at SciLifeLab. Existing appointment is required at any of the Swedish universities.
• A strong scientific background and excellent communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of at least two technology platforms offered at SciLifeLab
• Documented expertise and interest in one or more areas in relevant molecular aspects of planetary biology (e.g. biodiversity, molecular ecology, evolution, environmental monitoring)

We also value:

• A solid track record of research funding.
• A well-established network and knowledge to the planetary biology community within Sweden.
• Experience and expertise in areas of planetary biology that do not overlap those of the Lead and Co-Leads.

We offer:

– An exciting environment, working with the entire SciLifeLab organization and major national stakeholders, such as universities, government organizations and funding agencies.
– An important national role, with high visibility.
– Opportunity to interact across the nation, in collaboration with major research programs, such as DDLS.
– Support for task coordination, meeting arrangements and communication.

– Ability to influence decisions on calls for equipment and technology development projects at SciLifeLab.

Application and selection process

• The total assignment time available for this task is up to 0.3 FTE total.
• The call opens on December 15 and closes on January 20th. Selection process and interviews with top candidates will take place in February 2022, and the candidate will be nominated by the SciLifeLab Board by March 2022.
• The planned start of the assignment is April-June 2022. The nomination will be initially made for one year, but the successful candidate should be able and interested to continue for the duration of the current government budget cycle i.e. until the end of 2028.
• The application should include:
• Cover letter (0,5-1 page) summarizing your personal motivations for this assignment, as well as education, experience, research area etc. that make you a strong candidate for this position. Please specify your present role and position in your organization.
• Short description (max 1 A4 page) of initial ideas and plans for the development of PB at SciLifeLab.
• CV of a maximum of 5 pages (including only selected publication list)

For questions please, contact infra@scilifelab.se