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 postdoctor 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 1) test for parallel climate adaptations in yeast from Europe and South America, 2) describe the genetic architecture of thermal traits, 3) test for the evolution of pathogenicity as a by-product of thermotolerance, and 4) use data-driven predictive modelling to identify key drivers of thermal adaptation.

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

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances 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 applicant’s documented knowledge in the research area (PhD thesis, publication record), their capacity for analytical and creative thinking, their ability to take initiative, work independently and collaborate, and their written and oral proficiency in 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 October 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 recommend reading relevant literature to prepare your application (e.g. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2423262122). 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.