We have a research opportunity open at the University of St Andrews' Centre for Biological Diversity Biodiversity (CBD), School of Biology working in the research team of Carolin Kosiol (https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/carolin-kosiol(c9f40ab1-9f6d-4739-b827-f572db24bbd5).html).
We are seeking a motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher for a project “PoMoSelect: Disentangling modes of selection” funded by the BBSRC. Recent sequencing of genomes of closely related species and of many individuals from the same species enables the study of speciation and the inference of the history of populations. Standard phylogenetic methods reduce entire populations to single points in genotypic space by modelling evolution as a process in which a single gene mutates along the branches of a phylogeny. The Kosiol group has developed new approaches, called polymorphism-aware phylogenetic models (PoMo, Borges et al., Genetics 2019, Schrempf et al., JTB 2016, DeMaio et al., Syst Biol 2015) for species tree estimation. We envisage developing new theory and software to tackle the problem of balancing selection.
We work with a strong network of collaborators with Rui Borges (Vetmeduni Vienna), with Sebastian Höhna (Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany) and Tracy Heath (Iowa State University, US). All are internationally known for their contributions to the RevBayes software project (Höhna et al., 2016), as well as data from international consortia.
You will be part of a team developing new methods that investigate the role of balancing selection. This will involve theoretical work as well as software implementation and the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput molecular and genomics data.
This post will suit a candidate who can think flexibly and implement new software. Ideally, the candidate should have solid grasp of programming languages (eg. C, C++, Java, Python, R), but a desire to extend their capabilities into new areas and methods is highly desirable and there will be many opportunities to develop specific skills. An interest in phylogenetics and population genomics is a plus.
You will have the opportunity to publish first author papers, contribute as a co-author, and present your work internally and at international conferences. You must be able to independently manage your work, meet deadlines, and prepare internal reports and draft publications. You will have good communication skills. This is an outstanding opportunity to develop your research skills, ask exciting scientific questions and drive forward novel research at the cutting edge.
Applications should include:
(i) A cover letter expressing your interest in the position
(ii) a current CV
(iii) the names and contact details of three referees.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Carolin Kosiol, ck202@st-andrews.ac.uk or Dr Rui Borges, rui.borges@vetmeduni.ac.at
Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/
Closing Date: 5 January 2022
Please quote ref: AR2630SB
Futher Particulars: AR2630SB FPs.doc
School of Biology
Salary: £34,304 - £37,467 per annum
Start Date: 1 February 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter
Duration of Post: up to 3 years