Researcher in hybridization and copy number variation

Subject description
We are recruiting an early career researcher for a career development position within the Runemark lab, working in and the VR-funded project “The role of novel patterns of gene expression in hybrid adaptation”.
These projects broadly addresses the role of gene expression in how novel, potentially adaptive, variation can arise from hybridization. The main question of the project is how structural variants, and in particular copy number variation (CNV) contribute to this.
We are currently collecting a unique dataset of yeast hybrids and their founder strains under several stress conditions and induced rounds of meiosis to further our insights in this field.
The researcher will work in a collaborative lab performing analyses of structural variants in parent species and hybrid lineages focussing on copy number variation and its effects on gene expression, and will analyze and synthesize and write up the work for publication and work closely with the Runemark Lab team consisting of a lab manager, a PhD-student and two post docs.
The project is led by Senior Lecturer Anna Runemark, and set within the SPeciation, Adaptation and Co-Evolution lab in the biodiversity and evolution division.
Work duties
The main duties involved in a researcher posistion is to conduct research.
Detailed description of the work duties:
Bioinformatical analysis of Copy Number Variation and genomic predictors of CNVs including transposable elements and methylation
Analysis CNV variation in hybrids and parental species, with focus on the effects on gene expression
Interpretation of bioinformatical results, figure preparation
Synthesizing the data for publication
The candidate can potentially contribute to the teaching on the bioinformatics program.
Qualification requirements
Appointment to this career development position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within evolutionary genomics. While there are no formal career age requirements, the position is aimed for career development for a research career and merits will be considered in the light of the career age.
Further requirements are:
Expertise in detecting and analysing copy number variation and investigating its functional and evolutionary significance.
Experience in transcriptomic analysis, including RNA-seq data processing, differential gene expression analysis, and functional interpretation.
Experience developing statistical methods and bioinformatics tools for genomic data analysis.
Proficiency in analysing large genomic and transcriptomic datasets using R, Perl, and Unix.
Experience of short-term independent running of a microbial lab
Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a position intended for career development for a future academic career focused on research. The position is intended as an early step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed onresearch skills within the subject i.e. evolutionary genomics, particularly in analysing structural variants in form of Copy Number Variation.
A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research, assessed by a publication record with strong independent contributions and high-quality publications; and a demonstrated ability to communicate research findings at international conferences.
A proven track record of developing own research, assessed by a track record of highly-merited grant proposals.
Strong skills in bioinformatics, including analysis of methylation and histone modifications, gene expression data and/or analysis of hybrid genomes.
Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.
Terms of employment
This is a full-time permanent employment, a 6-month probationary period may be applied starting 2026-12-15.
Contact person: Anna Runemark, anna.runemark@biol.lu.se
Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:
Résumé/CV (no more than one page Times New Roman 12 pt)
List of publications
A cover letter detailing how your past research experience fits the position (no more than one page Times New Roman 12 pt)
Contact information for at least two academic references
Copy of the doctoral degree certificate