Two postdoctoral researcher positions in University of Jyväskylä, Finland Two post-doctoral researcher positions are available in the group of Ilkka Kronholm at the department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. Starting earliest on 6st of January 2025 or later in the spring, for a fixed term of three years. The genetics, epigenetics, and evolution group lead by Ilkka Kronholm studies the properties of mutations, broadly defined, including proterties of epistatic interactions and epigenetic changes. Our research questions are focused on understanding how different intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect evolutionary adaptation. As model systems we use the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa and fission yeast. The post-doctoral researchers will join an ERC-funded project that studies the properties of epistatic interactions. Epistatic interactions are known to play an important part in certain aspects of evolution, such as speciation. However, the properties of epistatic interactions are not very well known. In this project, we will estimate the probability that a pair of fixed mutations will exhibit a negative epistatic interaction, possibly leading to incompatibilities between two populations. We are using experimental evolution in fission yeast to explore these questions. Furthermore, we plan to estimate the probability that a pair mutations exhibits an epistatic interaction, and are there some genes in the genome that are more often involved in epistatic interactions than others due to their place in the protein-protein interaction network for example. We plan to address these questions using transposon insertion libraries that will be constructed in different genetic backgrounds, that we have obtained by a mutation accumulation experiment in fission yeast. Examples of recent work from the group includes developing mutation accumulation lines for the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, and analysis of how chromatin modifications affect mutation rate, see: Villalba de la Peña et al. 2023. Chromatin structure influences rate and spectrum of spontaneous mutations in Neurospora crassa. Genome Research 33: 1-13 https://doi.org/10.1101/gr.276992.122 To be eligible, the candidate needs to have a doctoral (PhD) degree in evolutionary biology, population genetics, genetics, or a related discipline with strong interest in evolutionary genetics. The first postdoc will be mainly involved in the experimental evolution project involving epistatic incompatibilities. For this project a background in either speciation genetics, experimental evolution, or evolutionary genetics is beneficial. While previous experience in fungal genetics can be an advantage it is not required. Experience with microscopy, microbiology, and analysis NGS data, and a good command of statistics can be an advantage. The second postdoc will be mainly involved in estimating epistatic interactions by constructing the TE insertion libraries in fission yeast. But will also contribute to the experimental evolution project. For this project background in evolutionary genetics or genetics is beneficial. Experience with yeast genetics and analysis of NGS data, and good command of statistics can be an advantage. Good written and oral communication skills in English are required for both positions. Please note that while experience in NGS data analysis can be an advantage, both of these positions involve extensive wetlab part, and require previous wetlab experience. While the postdoctoral researchers are expected to contribute to the current project, and supervise students jointly with the PI, there is also the possibility to develod your own interests within the framework of the project or to participate in teaching if the researcher so wishes. The salary for a Postdoctoral Researcher is determined based on the task-specific demand level 5-6 of the university salary system for teaching and research staff. The salary range will be approximately 3500-4800 euro /month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. Finland has a high standard of living, with free schooling (also in English), affordable childcare, good family benefits, and healthcare. Jyväskylä is located in central Finland in the Finnish lakeland, and has excellent opportunities for different nature, outdoor, and sports activities. The city of Jyväskylä is a major educational center and the city has a large student population. As such there is a vibrant cultural scene in the city. To find useful information about the University of Jyväskylä, the City of Jyväskylä and living in Finland, see the international staff guide: https://www.jyu.fi/en/workwithus/international-staff-guide Please attach the following documents to the online application form: 1. Curriculum vitae, including contact information of two people willing to provide a reference 2. Cover letter explaining your motivation, research interests, and career plans. Please also mention are you aplying for the first postdoc mainly about experimental evolution and incompatibilities or the second postdoc about studying epistatic interactions using TE libraries. 3. List of publications 4. Relevant certificates / diplomas Please submit your application at the latest by 8th of December 2024 by using the link found on page: https://ats.talentadore.com/apply/postdoctoral-researcher-positions-experimental-evolution-and-genetics/Zx3z20 or using the tiny url link: https://tinyurl.com/3b5fdwh2 Informal inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Ilkka Kronholm email: ilkka.kronholm(at)jyu.fi lab website: ikronholm.net twitter: @kronholmlab Ilkka Kronholm Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä ilkka.kronholm@jyu.fi +358 417491785 @kronholmlab "Kronholm, Ilkka" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)