PhD in Experimental Evolution & Bioinformatics

About the role

The PhD project investigates how genome duplication influences the evolution of volvocine algae, focusing on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. It combines experimental evolution, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics to uncover the interaction between genome dynamics and environmental conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Design and run long‑term laboratory evolution experiments, including strain maintenance, culturing, and phenotyping.
• Perform molecular and genomic analyses, generate sequencing data and interpret results.
• Conduct bioinformatics and statistical analyses to characterize mutation processes and adaptation patterns.
• Gradually shift from wet‑lab work to data integration, scientific writing, and publication.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or a related field.
• Strong background in evolution, genomics, or algal biology.
• Willingness to combine wet‑lab experiments with computational analysis.
• Basic knowledge of statistics and programming (R, Python or similar).
• Fluent English (spoken and written) and ability to work independently and in a team.

Required skills

• R programming
• Python programming
• Next‑generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis
• Statistical analysis
• Bioinformatics workflows

What we offer

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory and computational facilities.
• Collaboration with leading experts in genome evolution and algal biology.
• International, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to fundamental knowledge with agricultural relevance.