Senior research engineer in evolutionary biology

We have the power of over 40,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting the challenges of the day. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!
The position
For this position we are looking for a candidate with a strong background in evolutionary genetics, quantitative genetics and/or bioinformatics. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers investigating the genomic basis of feralization and domestication. The project explores the molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary transitions from domestication to re-wilding (feralisation) using a series of feral chickens derived from Hawaii and Bermuda, and intercrosses of wild and domestic chickens. Using a powerful combination of genomics, transcriptomics, field assays and laboratory experimental evolution the project aims to reveal the genes and causal polymorphisms responsible for re-adaptation to a wild environment, and how this progresses.
The project will involve a large amount of sequence data analysis, coming from single cell sequencing data (including both sc RNAseq and sc ATACseq data), as well as conventional whole genome re-sequencing and RNA-seq data. The candidate will work on various projects, but one of the main ones will involve a combination of expression and ATAC seq QTL analysis using the data generated by single cell sequence data. In addition, selective sweep mapping and other forms of population genetic analysis will be performed. The candidate should therefore be proficient in some or all of these techniques or have specialisation in at least one.
The project will perform Genome Wide Association Mapping using a series of different populations of feralised chickens (domestic birds that have escaped and are now living wild throughout the Hawaiian Island chain), in combination with a wild x domestic chicken intercross to map the genes and polymorphisms underlying their rapid responses to newly imposed selective forces. In this instance the combination of integrating both single cell expression QTL and single cell ATAC-seq QTL will enable the identification of the genetic basis of transcriptomic regulation occurring between wild and domestic chickens down to the specific cell type, whilst the simultaneous mapping of epigenomic and transcriptomic data from the same nucleus should also enable the identification of both the causal elements and causal genes for the regulatory machine in the chicken hypothalamus.
Similarly, sweep mapping and other population genetic parameters will be assayed in these feral populations to identify which regions are most important in the response to selection in these populations. Representative papers for the intercross and the feral birds can be found in the following articles: Höglund et al. 2020 Nature Ecology and Evolution, Johnsson et al. 2016 Genetics 202, 327-340, Johnsson et al. Nature Communications 7, 1-11.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine a wide variety of genomic and transcriptomic tools along with the opportunity for fieldwork and labwork as part of a vibrant and friendly team. 

The person we need

The position requires a doctorate or an equivalent degree. You must have experience in single cell sequencing, quantitative genetics, QTL mapping and bioinformatics is of benefit.

The workplace

The position is located in the Biology Division at The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, IFM.

The employment

100% for 11 months and 20 days.

The position will commence by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The university applies individual salaries.

More information about employee benefits is available here.

Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 30 January, 2024.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.