Postdoctoral Researcher in Bioinformatics and Plant Paleogenomics / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Bioinformatics and Plant Paleogenomics

Postdoctoral Position in Bioinformatics and Plant Paleogenomics

Join UniBE—a vibrant international community that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. The Institute of Plant Sciences and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of Bern, Switzerland, is offering a fixed-term postdoctoral research position as part of the SNSF Consolidator grant project ARIaDNA. The role is set to commence on March 1, 2027, or by arrangement, and will last for two years.

About the Project

The ARIaDNA project aims to reconstruct how key European tree species responded to historical environmental changes by analyzing genetic data from ancient plant remains preserved in lake sediment archives. By integrating paleogenomics, paleoecology, population genetics, and vegetation modeling, the project seeks to uncover new insights into postglacial forest dynamics, shifts in genetic diversity, and climate adaptation, thereby contributing to the conservation of alpine ecosystems in the face of future climate change.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead the bioinformatic analyses of ancient plant DNA datasets. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and adapting advanced bioinformatics tools and pipelines for individual-based ancient DNA (aDNA) and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) metabarcoding and metagenomics.
• Reconstructing changes in genetic diversity over time and investigating the genetic basis of adaptations to past environmental changes.
• Integrating paleogenomic data with population genetic models to test competing hypotheses regarding postglacial range expansion and demographic changes in European tree species.
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team and providing scientific guidance to PhD and MSc students.
• Presenting findings at international conferences and publishing results in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, biology, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in applying computational methods to evolutionary and ecological questions. Essential qualifications include:

• Substantial experience in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, and ancient DNA research.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python and R), as well as experience with command-line tools and high-performance computing clusters.
• Knowledge of population genetics, paleoecology, molecular biology, or vegetation ecology will be considered an asset.

Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with a proven track record of scientific publications and an excellent command of English, are expected.

What We Offer

This position presents an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of bioinformatics, paleogenomics, and climate change research. You will be part of a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research team based at the University of Bern. Employment conditions are in accordance with the standards set by the University of Bern and the SNSF.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your application online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Your Benefits

• Strong research infrastructure and an extensive international network.
• A healthy corporate culture and positive working atmosphere.
• A collaborative environment with an ambitious team.
• A high degree of creative freedom in an academic setting.

Why Work at the University of Bern?

The University of Bern not only provides exciting tasks but also fosters development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us a standout employer and how you can grow alongside us.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, please contact Prof. Christoph Schwörer.