Doctoral Position in Evolutionary Genomics

Join Heidelberg University to investigate vertebrate organ evolution using cutting-edge experimental and computational genomics.

Best for:Best for motivated life science or computational graduates with a strong interest in vertebrate evolution and genomics.

Heidelberg University · Heidelberg, Germany · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Heidelberg University

evolutionary genomicstranscriptomicssingle-cell RNA-seqbioinformaticsvertebrate evolutiongene expression

Deadline

Until filled

rolling

Funding

—

3 years

Start date

immediately

Fixed-term

Location

Heidelberg

Germany

Overview

Heidelberg University's Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH) offers a 3-year doctoral position within the evolutionary genomics group led by Henrik Kaessmann. The successful candidate will investigate the origins and molecular evolution of organs across mammals and other vertebrates, combining comparative genomics, single-cell datasets, and machine learning. Projects can encompass experimental molecular work, computational bioinformatics, or both, tailored to the researcher's background and interests. Applicants are expected to collaborate effectively within an international team and contribute novel insights into gene expression evolution.

evolutionary genomicsPhDbioinformaticstranscriptomicsHeidelberg UniversityZMBHmolecular evolutiondeep learning

What you'll do

Design and execute projects exploring the molecular evolution and origins of vertebrate organs
Generate and process cutting-edge genomics datasets such as single-cell RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, or spatial transcriptomics
Develop and apply computational, statistical, and deep-learning approaches for comparative genomics analyses
Perform functional characterizations of candidate evolutionary changes using model systems or synthetic genomics if applicable
Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members combining experimental and computational expertise
Present research findings at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in bioinformatics, molecular biology, computer science, genetics, or a related field

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; working knowledge to professional proficiency

Instruction: English

Required skills

Strong academic background in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology
Demonstrated interest and curiosity in evolutionary questions and molecular mechanisms
Aptitude for either wet-lab experimental workflows, computational data analysis, or a combination of both
Familiarity with programming or statistical software relevant to genomic data analysis

Nice to have

Prior hands-on experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysisExperience with machine learning or deep learning applications in biologyBackground in molecular biology techniques or model organism researchFamiliarity with single-cell genomics or spatial transcriptomics datasets

Eligibility

Hold or be about to complete a qualifying university degree equivalent to a Master's

Funding & terms

Type

Unknown

Amount

—

Duration

3 years

Programme

Heidelberg University

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit their complete application package including a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and the contact details for three references. Send all materials directly to Henrik Kaessmann via email or the designated institutional contact.

Documents required