Postdoctoral position in evolutionary quantitative genetics

Introduction

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

Presentation

A postdoctoral position in evolutionary quantitative genetics is available in the research group of John Pannell ( https://www.unil.ch/dee/en/home/menuinst/research/research-groups/pannell-group.html ) in the Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne.

Job information

Expected start date in position : 01.09.2025 / to be agreed

Contract length : 1 year, renewable for a further two years depending on funding availability

Activity rate : 100%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

Your responsibilities

The postdoc would contribute to one or both of two projects funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation: (1) the evolution of sex allocation, sexual antagonism and sex chromosomes during transitions between hermaphroditism and dioecy; and (2) the evolution of plant populations at and beyond species range margins. The first project will involve the quantitative genetic analysis of a rapid transition from hermaphroditism to dioecy in experimental populations that have been evolving for approximately 15 years. We wish to understand the quantitative genetic architecture of the breakdown of dioecy and the subsequent ongoing evolution of an increased separation of the sexes in some of the experimental populations. The second project will involve the quantitative genetic and genomic analyses of experimental populations that have been established at multiple sites in Europe under various admixture treatments. Both projects are using the annual dioecious plant species Mercurialis annua as an experimental model, for which there are substantial genetic resources available, including a good genome assembly.

Most of his/her time will be dedicated to research, but a contribution to teaching is expected, including the possibility of supervising master students. The job description stipulates:
70% Personal research
25% Participation to teaching activities and master student supervision
5% Maintenance of lab equipment or other institutional tasks.

Your qualifications

While there are clearly defined goals in both projects, the postdoc’s research direction can be tailored to his/her specific interests and expertise. He/she should have a PhD in evolutionary biology and/or population genetics/genomics and a skill set that would ideally include the statistical and quantitative genetic analysis of phenotypic and underlying genomic variation in natural eukaryote populations. Experience or an interest in working on sexual systems, sex chromosomes, sex allocation, and life histories would be an advantage, as would experience of research on plants (though this is not essential). The successful candidate should also have good communication and interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a team. Although not a requirement, some knowledge of French would be an asset for living in French-speaking Switzerland.

What the position offers you

We offer a nice working place in a multicultural, diverse and dynamic academic environment, with opportunities for professional training. Possibilities of continuous training, a lot of activities and other opportunities to discover. The Department of Ecology and Evolution in Lausanne University hosts research groups working on a broad range of topics, producing a rich intellectual and social life. Although French is the common language in Lausanne region, the department research activities and seminars are conducted in English. The campus is located on the shore of the Geneva Lake, with the view on the Alps.

Contact for further information

For further information please contact Prof. John Pannell: E-Mail schreiben

Your application

Deadline : 31.05.2025

Formal applications should include:

• a cover letter detailing your research interests, experience and motivation for applying;


• your CV;


• a copy of your PhD certificate ;


• the names of two or three referees.

Please, send your full application in Word or PDF.

Only applications through this website will be taken into account.

We thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

UNIL is committed to:
•    equality, diversity and inclusion within its community;
•    ensuring an open and respectful environment that is conducive to personal development;
•    offering working conditions that facilitate work-life balance;
•    supporting early career researchers.

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