Postdoctoral Fellow in Yeast Evolutionary Genomics

The Department of Zoology of Stockholm University includes ca. 80 employees, including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. Research and education at the department occurs in an international environment. Outstanding and high impact research is conducted in a variety of fields, including evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, genomics, conservation, and behaviour.
More information about us, please visit: the Department of Zoology.

Project description

We are looking for a postdoc to join our yeast evolution and genomics lab at Stockholm University. The applicant will develop a project that harnesses the power of experimental evolution and comparative genomics in the model system Saccharomyces, to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology. Specific aims are to investigate 1) parallel evolution of climate adaptation in yeast from Europe and South America, 2) the genetic architecture of thermal traits, and 3) the evolution of pathogenicity as a by-product of thermotolerance.

Main responsibilities

This postdoctoral position is primarily appointed for research in evolutionary biology. The work will mostly be lab-based but may include some fieldwork.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in evolutionary biology, ideally with experience in experimental evolution and molecular/population/quantitative genetics. Prior training in Saccharomyces yeast cultivation, statistics, and programming (e.g. R, Python) is a plus. Applicants should be able to think quantitatively, be well-organized, good communicators, and happy to work in a team as well as independently.

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on the following criteria:

• the applicant’s documented knowledge within the described research area (PhD thesis, publication record)
• capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• ability to collaborate
• written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date August 2025 or as per agreement.

We offer

Training will be provided in experimental evolution, molecular genetics, whole genome sequencing, statistics, bioinformatics, yeast cultivation, and microbiology. There is flexibility within the project for the fellow to develop their own interests, with guidance and support from the advisor and the department.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Rike Stelkens, phone: +46 8 16 42 23, rike.stelkens@zoologi.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. We highly recommend reading relevant literature to prepare your application accordingly (e.g. doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msac242, doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1011154 and doi.org/10.1093/evolinnean/kzae023). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.