Post-doc position: The genetic and epigenetic basis of inbreeding depression Where: UMR 6553 ECOBIO CNRS/Universite de Rennes Hosts: Steve Ramm & Sylvain Glemin When: starting early 2026 (negotiable), for up to 2 years (according to experience) Context: The post-doc is offered as part of a wider collaborative ANR project "FRIDA" (Fast-renewed inbreeding depression in animals) coordinated by Patrice David at CEFE Montpellier and in collaboration with colleagues at the CEFE, IHPE Perpignan and LEHNA Lyon. Scientific background: The goal of the FRIDA project is to investigate new ideas regarding the speed at which inbreeding depression (ID) can arise and its potential persistence in the absence of genetic variation due to epigenetic inheritance. Two characteristics suggest that the epigenetic component may play a role as a source of fast-renewed inbreeding depression (FRID): (i) the ability to generate heritable variation rapidly and (ii) a tendency to revert to ancestral states over generations. Project: The recruited post-doc will contribute to work package 2 of the FRIDA project, for which we are developing the free-living flatworm Macrostomum hystrix as one of the two animal model systems for the project in which to study the genetic and epigenetic basis of inbreeding depression, building on our earlier work documenting delayed selfing in this species. Ongoing projects in the lab are investigating the fitness consequences of self-fertilization, including generating a panel of inbred lines that will be used for the post-doc project. Your tasks will be to continue the breeding of these lines; to use them to perform experimental tests of the main project hypotheses; to prepare samples for downstream analyses; to perform data analyses and interpretation; and to disseminate the results through articles and oral presentations. Candidate profile: The ideal candidate for this position will hold a doctoral degree (PhD) and have a background in ecology and evolution, with a strong interest in inbreeding depression and/or mating system evolution. Prior experience working with flatworms or other invertebrate model systems would be helpful but not required. Depending on the interests and aptitude of the selected candidate, there could be opportunities to work on additional aspects related to the project, including but not limited to transcriptomics and (epi)genomics analyses, experimental evolution and/or theoretical modeling. Experience in statistical analysis, writing scientific papers and scientific oral presentation is expected. The lab operates in English but a facility in French (or willingness to acquire it) is helpful for daily interactions. Location: You will be based in the ECOBIO lab (UMR 6553 - Ecosystèmes, Biodiversite, Evolution; CNRS/Universite de Rennes) where you will join the Evo-Adapt research theme working on diverse topics in evolutionary ecology, life history evolution and evolutionary genomics. We are based on the Beaulieu scientific campus in Rennes, a lively university city frequently rated among the most liveable in France, the capital of the Brittany region and home to a growing interactive network of evolutionary biologists spread across multiple laboratories. To apply: Please send your application documents, comprising a CV and cover letter detailing your motivation and fit to the project, plus names and contact details of at least two referees, all as a single PDF, to steven.ramm@univ-rennes.fr, including FRIDA POSTDOC in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting January 15th but the position remains open until filled. Informal enquiries welcome! For more info: Bonel N, Grunau C, David P. Not just mutations: Inbreeding depression persists without genetic variation. bioRxiv 2025.02.25.640231; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.25.640231 Ramm SA, Vizoso DB, Schärer L. Occurrence, costs and heritability of delayed selfing in a free-living flatworm. J Evol Biol. 2012 Dec;25(12):2559-68. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12012 https://macrostomum.wordpress.com/the-genetic-and-epigenetic-basis-of-inbreeding-depression/ Steve Ramm, PhD, HDR Chaire de Recherche Rennes Metropole Chaire de Professeur Junior UMR 6553 ECOBIO - Ecosystèmes, Biodiversite, Evolution Universite de Rennes, FRANCE steven.ramm@univ-rennes.fr https://ecobio.univ-rennes.fr/interlocuteurs/steven-ramm Steven Ramm (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)