Dear All, We have a research opportunity open at the University of St Andrews' Centre for Biological Diversity Biodiversity (CBD), School of Biology working in the research team of Carolin Kosiol. Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow conducting research for a BBSRC International Partnership on AI funded project entitled "Deep learning: Linkage effects and balancing selection". Our research team focuses on the development of computational methods to investigate adaptations occurring at both inter- and intraspecies timescales, in particular we have developed an approach called Polymorphism-aware phylogenetic models (PoMos). Presently, we incorporate Deep Learning (DL) methodologies to examine the phenomenon of balancing selection across diverse species. The detection of balancing selection is an exciting problem challenging evolutionary geneticists for decades. It is often intertwined with linkage disequilibrium (LD), which connects genetic sites. This project focuses on using Ancestral Recombination Graphs (ARGs) to generate testing and training data for DL with balancing selection while accounting for LD.We will develop a DL method, which draws upon Voznica et al. (2022) and will be trained on the data generated, to detect balancing selection in the populations of great apes and fruit flies. This post will suit a candidate who can think flexibly and implement new software. Ideally, the candidate should have solid grasp of programming languages (eg. C, C++, Java, Python, R), but a desire to extend their capabilities into new areas and methods is highly desirable and there will be many opportunities to develop specific skills. An interest in phylogenetics and population genomics is a plus. You will have the opportunity to publish first author papers, contribute as a co-author, and present your work at international meetings. In particular, visits to the collaboration partners Olivier Gascuel (Paris Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, France) and Adam Siepel (Cold Spring Habor Laboratories, US) are planned. You must be able to independently manage your work, meet deadlines, and prepare internal reports and draft publications. You will have good communication skills. This is an outstanding opportunity to develop your research skills, ask exciting scientific questions and drive forward novel research at the cutting edge. Applications should include: (i) A cover letter expressing your interest in the position (ii) a current CV (iii) the names and contact details of two referees. See https://www.vacancies.st-andrews.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/6599/0/425572/889/research-fellow-in-bioinformatics-ar2977nb Deadline 26thApril 2024. The position is available for 15 months but might be extended. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Carolin Kosiol, ck202@st-andrews.ac.uk Dr Carolin Kosiol Reader in Bioinformatics Centre for Biological Diversity School of Biology University of St Andrews St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TF, Scotland/UK Email: ck202@st-andrews.ac.uk Web: https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/kosiol-lab/ Carolin Kosiol (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)