A postdoctoral position in computational population genomics is available in the research group of Anna-Sapfo Malaspinas in the Department of Computational Biology at the University of Lausanne.
In our group, we generally aim at characterizing evolutionary processes while relying on genomics data from both modern and ancient samples. We develop analytical and computational methods to analyze and interpret population genomic data and we apply those methods to novel DNA datasets via collaborative projects.
We are looking for a computational biologist to analyze novel ancient human genomic datasets to further characterize how humans peopled regions such as the Pacific or the Americas. The main project for this position includes the coordination of data generation (potentially including field trips), data analysis with existing computational methods as well as extensive simulations for validations of results. Depending on interests and skill sets, the candidate could also decide to develop novel computational methods to characterize evolutionary processes relying on time serial data. Finally it is possible to set some time aside for i) a personal side project, ii) gaining experience in training master and PhD students and iii) applying for grants for the next academic steps.
Requirements
• PhD in computational biology, population genetics or related fields.
• Programming experience (e.g. python, R or C/C++, …).
• Good knowledge of probability and statistics, including Markovian processes.
• Experience of UNIX environment.
Department of Computational Biology, University of Lausanne
Lausanne is a medium-sized city on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded
by a wine growing region recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and
within one hour of the Alps. It offers a great variety of cultural, recreational and outdoor opportunities.
The University of Lausanne (UNIL) is a higher teaching and research institution where approximately 14,000 students and nearly 4,000 collaborators, professors, and researchers work and study. Ideally situated along the lake of Geneva, near Lausanne’s city center, its campus brings together over 120 nationalities.
The department of Computational Biology is a friendly new department within the University of Lausanne with expertises among the groups ranging from disease mapping, quantitative genetics, cancer genomics, phylogenetics, medical genetics and gene expression.
Our group recently moved to UNIL while also joining the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics. We are a multidisciplinary and international group.
Timeline and contract
Starting dates are flexible but the candidate should start in 2018 (ideally before July). It is meant to be a full time position but a lower rate is negotiable e.g. for family reasons. Annual salaries are competitive (about CHF 80,000 ~ USD 80,000 ~ Euro 68,000/year) and there is available funding for three years while contracts are renewed annually.
How to apply
Interested applicants should send a CV, contact information for three references, as well as a cover letter stating general research interests as well as motivation to join the group. If the candidate would like to work on their own side project, a short description should be sent along as well.
Please follow the instructions here to submit your application.
The review of applications will start on March 1 2018 and will continue until a
suitable candidate is found.