Summary
The University of Bern is offering an exciting two-year postdoctoral research position within the framework of the SNSF Consolidator grant project ARIaDNA. This role is based at the Institute of Plant Sciences and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, focusing on how European tree species responded to past environmental changes using ancient plant remains.
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Bioinformatics, Plant Paleogenomics, and Climate Change |
| Location | Bern, Switzerland |
| Employment Relationship | 80-100%, fixed-term (2 years) |
| Start Date | 01.03.2027 or by arrangement |
| Last Date for Apply | 1 December 2026 |
Research Area
The ARIaDNA project aims to reconstruct postglacial forest dynamics and genetic diversity by analyzing ancient DNA (aDNA) from lake sediment archives. The research combines paleogenomics, paleoecology, population genetics, and vegetation modeling to understand climate adaptation in alpine ecosystems.
Job Description
The successful candidate will lead the bioinformatic analyses of ancient plant DNA datasets. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and adapting advanced bioinformatic 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 adaptation to environmental changes.
- Integrating paleogenomic data with population genetic models to test hypotheses regarding postglacial range expansion.
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team and providing scientific guidance to PhD and MSc students.
- Presenting findings at international conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Eligibility/Qualification
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Education: A PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, biology, or a related discipline.
- Experience: Substantial experience in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, and ancient DNA research.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming (Python and R), command-line tools, and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with population genetics, paleoecology, molecular biology, or vegetation ecology is considered an asset.
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a proven track record of scientific publications and excellent English proficiency.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application as a single PDF file to Prof. Christoph Schwörer at christoph.schwoerer@unibe.ch. The application package must include:
- A motivation letter
- CV with a full publication list
- Academic transcripts and PhD diploma
- A reference letter and contact details of your PhD supervisor
Apply Link
For further information or to submit your application, please contact Prof. Christoph Schwörer: christoph.schwoerer@unibe.ch
Last Date for Apply
The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Applications received after this date may be considered until the position is filled.
