Postdoc in experimental evolutionary biology – University of Zurich (UZH)

A postdoctoral fellowship in evolutionary biology is available in the laboratory of Andreas Wagner at the University of Zurich. The fellow will study the evolution and evolvability of biomolecules either through experimental evolution or through the large-scale analysis of adaptive landscapes, using methods such as CRISPR-Cas genome editing. Lab members are a group with very diverse backgrounds and research projects, unified by their interests in evolution and life’s fundamental organizational principles. Recent experimental work in the lab ranges from the directed evolution of proteins to experimental evolution of microbes  (e.g., Zheng et al., Science 2020; Karve and Wagner, Molecular Biology and Evolution 2022). Ongoing projects characterize adaptive landscapes of biomolecules via deep-scanning mutagenesis. The successful candidate will have flexibility in designing their own project, as long as it falls within the purview of the lab’s general research area (see also http://www.ieu.uzh.ch/wagner/).

We are looking for an individual who has received his or her PhD within the last five years, who is highly self-motivated and can work independently on a project that he or she will help develop. The successful candidate will have a strong background in microbiological techniques and molecular cloning. Applicants with experience in approaches such as deep-scanning mutagenesis, molecular barcoding, and CRISPR-Cas-based library design will be especially welcome. Experience with flow cytometry, as well as with computational analysis of high-throughput DNA sequence data, and machine learning applied to biological data will be a plus, as will be a research history in evolutionary biology. The position offers a highly competitive salary of up to three years on annually renewable contracts.

The working language in the laboratory is English. German skills, although helpful, are not essential. Zurich is a highly attractive city in beautiful surroundings, with a multinational population, and many educational and recreational opportunities.

To be considered, please send a single (!) PDF file merged from the following parts to jobs.wagner@ieu.uzh.ch: CV including publication list, academic transcripts, three academic references. In addition, we require a brief sketch of an experimental evolution project that you would like to pursue, and that is part of a brief statement of research interests not exceeding three pages. Please include the word “EXPPDOC22” in the subject line of your application. Applications will be considered until May 3, 2022, or until the position has been filled. The position is available from September 1, 2022.