Postdoc: How intra-genomic conflicts in spermatogenesis shape the genetic basis of autism Despite recent reports suggesting an outsize influence of the X chromosome on autism and its sex differences, we still know very little about its genetic basis. Recent research from our group has revealed uniquely strong natural selection on the human X chromosome, best explained by selfish X-genes promoting their natural selection in spermatogenesis by killing sperm cells that carry the Y chromosome. Such selfish advantage in spermatogenesis easily trumps modest deleterious effects such gene variants may have on brain development. A pilot study of the X chromosome reveals that neuron genes also expressed in spermatogenesis indeed are enriched for association with autism and that gene classes with sex-specific brain expression associate with autism sex bias. We invite applicants to shape and carry out this postdoc project. If you would like to investigate how and why the X chromosome contributes to autism and its sex-differences, then we invite you to make this project yours. The two-year postdoc position begins July 1, 2024, or as soon as possible. Job description The project includes a GWAS on the X chromosome based on the iPSYCH autism cohorts and analyses partitioning heritability by sex and candidate gene classes but will otherwise be led and shaped by the successful applicant. Your profile We are looking for an open-minded researcher with a collaborative spirit. The applicant should hold a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, population genetics, or similar.Any experience with GWAS, heritability analysis, polygenic risk scores, statistics, or population genetic modelling is highly relevant. Who we are You will collaborate with world-leading researchers on autism (Jakob Grove), genetic association (Doug Speed), and evolutionary genomics of sex chromosomes (Kasper Munch, PI). Please refer to munch-group.org and birc.au.dk for further information about us and the Bioinformatics Research Centre,and mbg.au.dk for information about the department. What we offer The Bioinformatics Research Centre provides: The opportunity to shape a ground-breaking research project providing new perspectives on the sex differences in autism.Access to computational infrastructure (14,000 cores), and the large Danish iPSYCH autism cohorts.An international, interdisciplinary, and open-minded research environment where ideas float freely.A uniquely Danish workplace characterized by equality, openness, trust, and a healthy work-life relationship.A highly competitive salary. Place of work and area of employment Bioinformatics Research Centre, Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus. Contact information For further information, please feel free to contact: Associate professor, Kasper Munch, +45 3013 8342, kaspermunch@birc.au.dk Deadline Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2024 Kasper Munch (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)