The position, based in the group of Philine Feulner, is funded for 2 years within the project “The eco-evolutionary effects of predators in aquatic ecosystems”. The project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation is led by Blake Matthews (Eawag) and also includes a collaboration with Ryan Greenway (University of Konstanz). The Fish Genomics group of Philine Feulner focuses on evolutionary questions regarding the genetic basis of adaptation and speciation, and the influences of various evolutionary processes such as selection, drift, mutation, and recombination on genome evolution.

The project will investigate multiple stickleback populations in small to medium sized lakes across Southern Greenland, using a combination of existing whole genome data sets and new sequencing conducted throughout the project. The first major goal of the project is to infer demographic histories for different lake populations and explore to which respect colonization histories varied and influenced phenotypic variation across lakes. The second goal is to track initial evolutionary changes of stickleback from a recent experimental introduction of stickleback into six experimental ponds. This will involve existing sequencing data from the ancestors and new data sequenced from the first few generations. Within the larger project, which is also including a PhD position, the genomic data of the sticklebacks will be interpreted in the context of how stickleback evolve in response to both predation and prey community dynamics.

The candidate will be in charge of the analysis of next generation whole genome data of sticklebacks, the development of bioinformatics pipelines and tools, and the interpretation and publication of the results. There will be opportunities to gain field experience in Southern Greenland, to develop their own research skills, and to assist in the supervision of Bachelors, and Master students. Ideally, the candidate has a profound interest in Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics and has earned a PhD in a relevant field of evolutionary biology, or bioinformatics. Excellent communication skills in English and ability and will to work in a team are essential. The group’s working language is English and fluency in writing and speaking is required. Knowledge of German or French is not required.

The position is situated in the Department of Fish Ecology & Evolution: www.eawag.ch/en/department/fishec/. The Department is part of Eawag’s Center for Ecology, Evolution & Biogeochemistry (CEEB), which is located on the shore of Lake Lucerne and is a strong nucleus of Eawag research groups aimed at integrating evolutionary biology, community ecology, and ecosystem science www.eawag.ch/forschung/cc/ceeb/. The postdoc will interact with a diverse range of researchers studying community ecology, evolutionary biology, ecological genetics, ecosystem science, and applied environmental science. The Fish Genomics group is also affiliated to the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the University of Bern www.iee.unibe.ch, and the successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to take advantage of both these excellent academic environments. More information about the current research group and ongoing projects in both groups can be found at www.eawag.ch/en/department/fishec/main-focus/fish-genomics/ and www.blakematthewslab.com.

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment. We strongly encourage applications from researchers identifying as a member of a historically marginalized group.

Applications should include a cover letter with a concise statement about your previous education and research experience, your vision for the future and in particular your motivation to work on this project (1 page maximum), a curriculum vitae, copies of your academic qualifications, and names and contact information of 2-3 academic references (please do not include letters with the application).

Any questions about the position can be directed to Philine Feulner and/or Blake Matthew

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the closing date is 15 May 2022.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.