PostDoc position in computational or mathematical biology 100%

Chromosomal inversions are rapidly increasing in interest in the field of evolutionary biology. This renewed interest in chromosomal inversions is in part driven by the advance of novel technologies that allow us to detect and study inversions in unprecedented detail. However, despite this plethora of new data, we still know very little about how and why inversions evolve. We do know, however, that modifications in genome structure, such as chromosomal inversions, can create genomic landscapes that either facilitate or obstruct adaptation. Understanding this dynamic interplay between genome structure and natural selection is the central goal of this project.
Looking for an exciting opportunity in a city renowned for its scientific excellence and
exceptional quality of life? Whether you're a mathematician fascinated by evolutionary theory and biology, or a biologist intrigued by theory and mathematical modeling, the Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit at the University of Bern is looking forward to your application for a postdoc position within the SNF-funded research project “Evolutionary dynamics of chromosomal inversions and local adaptation”.

PostDoc position in computational or mathematical biology

The successful candidate will work on the chicken and egg problem of inversions: Did an inversion capture existing selected polymorphism and spread because it amplifies the linkage between alleles, or was the inversion present at an intermediate frequency, either due to drift or balancing selection, and collected locally adapted alleles afterward? The candidate will develop realistic models that allow us to understand the conditions driving indirect selection on recombination suppression via inversions. Such models are necessary for scrutinising the temporal sequence of inversion events concerning locally adapted polymorphisms, providing a window into the chronology of evolutionary events and their intrinsic connection to adaptation.

The candidate should hold a PhD degree in mathematics, physics, biology, or a related field. Ideally, the candidate is familiar with mathematical modeling and dynamic systems (ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, stochastic processes) and has a keen interest in evolutionary biology. Statistics, R, Python, and/or Mathematica skills are a plus. A strong interest in connecting theory and data is essential for this position. The working language of our group is English.

The candidate will work closely with project leader Dr. Stephan Peischl. To connect model predictions with empirical data (from sticklebacks and fruit flies), the candidate will collaborate with project partners Prof. Katie Peichel (University of Bern) and Prof. Thomas Flatt (University of Fribourg), as well as a PhD student hired on this grant. Our group is well-connected within the biology department, which offers great personal development opportunities, a large postgraduate community, and a lively and inclusive academic environment with regular interdisciplinary discussions and research seminars, which build a strong foundation for your academic and professional growth.

Salary: according to Swiss National Science Fund (SNSF) rules for Postdoctoral researchers, starting at CHF 80,000 gross annual salary for early postdocs
Start: October 2024
Duration: 1 year with a possibility of extension up to a total of 3 years
Location: Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern

For more information, please contact Dr. Stephan Peischl (stephan.peischl@unibe.ch).