Research Assistant in Animal Science

Department of Animal Biosciences Re-winding the clock – using transgenics to re-wild the chicken We are looking for an engaged and enthusiastic research assistant to join our team looking at the genetic basis of feralization and domestication in the chicken. For this position we  are looking for a candidate with experience of working with chickens, breeding them, collecting physiological and behavioural samples and phenotypes, as well as dissection. Laboratory skills, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR and the like will be performed, and any experience of these is a benefit. Knowledge of cell work (cell culture and maintenance, etc) is beneficial, as is some experience of lab management (ordering materials, equipment maintenance, etc). About the position The project itself has recently been funded by Revive & Restore, a US charity, to assist with a project working on de-extincting the passenger pigeon. The role of the project that will be worked on is to use transgenic technology to turn a domestic chicken into a wild/ feral one. This involves incorporating genomic regions identified using datasets of feral chickens, and also datasets taken from a wild x domestic chicken intercross in combination with single cell technology. The successful candidate will be assisting with the care and maintenance of the chickens involved, as well as performing the phenotyping assays (including behavioural and physiological measures), and also assisting in the gene editing injections. In addition, some basic lab work will be performed, including DNA extraction and similar types of work, also including some basic cell maintenance. As such, a wide variety of duties will be performed and the candidate will be actively involved with all other group members in the lab and their projects. Your profile You must hold a degree in biology, natural sciences, animal sciences, engineering, or equivalent. You must also have a documented proficiency in written and spoken English. The candidate must have experience of working with chickens or other avian species. This work should include behavioural and physiological testing, as well as animal handling. Laboratory skills are a benefit to the position. The appointment will be offered to the applicant who, following a qualitative comprehensive assessment, is deemed to have the best skill set to conduct and develop the duties in question and contribute to the positive development of the organisation. About us The department is part of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and is responsible for education and research in several basic and applied areas. These areas include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, genetics, breeding, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootology, comparative medicine, food safety, bioinformatics and One Health. Our research covers everything from production animals to sports and pet animals, laboratory animals and wild animals. The department's researchers work on the entire scale from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to the structure, function and behaviour of animals, and how these are affected by breeding, physical activity, care, production, stress, environmental factors and diseases. For more information about the department or division, visit: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/Animal-Biosciences/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Uppsala, Ultuna Form of employment: Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment. Scope: 100% Start date: As agreed. Application: Please submit your application before the deadline of 28 October 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/   The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.