Postdoctoral Fellow positions in Evolutionary Systems Biology

Project description

We are looking for two motivated postdoctoral researchers to develop new mathematical and computational methods for modeling developmental and evolutionary dynamics. The positions are placed in Associate Professor Lisandro Milocco’s research group at Stockholm University and SciLifeLab, within the national program for Data-Driven Life Sciences (DDLS), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

The positions involve two possible research directions. Depending on expertise and interest, successful candidates can focus on one project or combine aspects of both.

The first focus is on data-driven identification of the dynamical rules underlying evolutionary processes. The aim is to develop and analyze quantitative frameworks that learn dynamical structure directly from time series data. This includes method development in nonlinear state reconstruction, system identification, reservoir computing, and related recurrent architectures, with an emphasis on robustness, generalization, and performance in high-dimensional and noisy biological datasets. See this publication for further details: https://doi.org/10.1111/ede.12449.

The second focus explores how evolutionary processes shape and constrain phenotypic variation. Although phenotypic datasets are often high-dimensional, variation often lies along a significantly lower number of effective dimensions. This suggests that evolution operates within a limited space of developmentally possible forms. The project aims to identify such low-dimensional structures in phenotypic data and incorporate them into mathematical models of character evolution along phylogenies. The work combines dimensionality reduction and geometric data analysis with the development of statistically rigorous comparative methods for continuous character evolution.

We welcome applicants with a strong background in quantitative biology, applied mathematics, physics, computational science, statistics, or related fields.

Job duties

The positions mainly involve research within the described projects. The successful candidates are expected to develop new quantitative methods, implement and validate computational frameworks, perform simulation studies and apply the developed methods to empirical datasets. The positions do not involve any laboratory work. The work includes mathematical modeling, algorithm development, statistical analysis and scientific programming.

The postdoctoral fellows are expected to actively contribute to the intellectual environment of the research group, collaborate with other researchers within the department and SciLifeLab, present results at international conferences, and publish research results in scientific journals. Some supervision of students may occur.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent to the relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent has been completed no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

The PhD should be in quantitative areas of biology (e.g. systems biology, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, computational biology), applied mathematics, physics, computational science, statistics or a related field.
In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on:

• Documented ability to conduct high-quality independent research.
• Mathematical and quantitative education.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: dynamical systems, nonlinear time series analysis, system identification, reservoir computing, manifold learning, geometric data analysis, or phylogenetic models of trait evolution.
• Ability to collaborate and contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment.

Scientific originality, analytical maturity and potential to contribute to the long-term development of the research area will be of great importance.

About the employment

The position is full-time and is valid until further notice, but for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Entry will take place as soon as possible or by agreement.

We offer

• A professionally stimulating, interdisciplinary and inclusive work environment. Flexibility for the applicant to develop their own interests, with guidance and support from both the supervisor and the department.
• Opportunities for research stays at partner universities, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.
• Membership in the Data-Driven Life Sciences (DDLS) initiative – one of Sweden’s largest and most ambitious research initiatives, focusing on using data, computational methods and artificial intelligence to study biological systems, which provides great opportunities for networking and collaboration.
• Access to advanced computing resources via the National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS) and SciLifeLab.
• Attractive employee benefits and the advantage of Stockholm’s family-friendly surroundings.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Information about the position is provided by Assistant Professor Lisandro Milocco, lisandro.milocco@zoologi.su.se.

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As the applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the search for truth.