Summary
The Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics at the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Croll. The PhD project is highly flexible and can be defined depending on the interests and strengths of the selected candidate, focusing on various exciting themes within evolutionary biology and genomics.
PhD Position in Evolutionary Genomics, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Designation
PhD Student (Fully Funded)
Key Details
| Category | Information |
| Institution | University of Neuchâtel |
| Department | Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Daniel Croll |
| Funding Status | Fully funded |
| Initial Duration | 4 years (with possibility for a 1-year extension) |
| Starting Date | February 1, 2027 (or upon agreement) |
Research Area
Research Area: Evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics of fungal pathogens.
Evolutionary Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Fungal Biology.
Location
University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
The university offers a highly welcoming and interactive research environment with a beautiful lakefront, views of the Swiss Alps, and a wealth of cultural activities.
Eligibility/Qualification
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- An MSc degree in biology or a related field.
- A strong interest in evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, and/or fungal biology.
Job Description
The PhD project will align with the lab’s current research directions. The broader theme of the PhD may include one or more of the following orientations:
- Rapid Adaptation: Understanding the genomic basis of rapid adaptation to host plants, climate, and agrochemicals using large-scale genome sequencing of fungal pathogens.
- Transposable Elements: Tracking the expansion dynamics of transposable elements across time scales and large taxonomic groups to understand their trajectories and consequences for host genomes.
- Genome Plasticity: Investigating the causes and consequences of fungal genome plasticity by expanding pangenomes, integrating epigenomics datasets, and developing new tools for in-depth analysis.
- DNA Language Models: Adapting and developing Large Language Models (LLMs) to recapitulate evolutionary processes and tackle exciting new questions in evolutionary genomics.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their application as a single PDF directly via email to daniel.croll@unine.ch. The application package must include:
- A motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- A current CV
- Transcript records
- Contact details for 2-3 references (e.g., MSc supervisor; no reference letters are required at this stage)
For more information about the research group, you can visit the Pathogen Genomics website or contact Prof. Daniel Croll directly.
Last Date for Apply
November 30, 2026 (or until the position is filled).
Note: The review of applications will start as soon as possible.
