Researcher in Evolutionary Developmental Biology

The Department of Zoology is one of the departments at the Faculty of Science and has approximately 80 employees, including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff.

Research and education at the department are conducted in an international environment and focus on animal biology. Our research covers a wide range of topics, from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of behavior and morphology. More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/zoologiska-institutionen/ (https://www.su.se/zoologiska-institutionen/).

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure based in Stockholm and Uppsala. In Stockholm, SciLifeLab is located at Campus Solna, where research groups from Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Karolinska Institutet conduct internationally prominent research in life sciences.

Project Description

The project focuses on studying the evolution of evolvability using computer simulations. Within evolutionary developmental biology, evidence suggests that evolvability can change rapidly in the non-linear parts of the genotype-phenotype map, while empirical results show that it can remain constant over long evolutionary periods. The project will address this apparent contradiction by using computer models of development to simulate the evolution of evolvability.

Job Responsibilities

The main job responsibilities include:

• Large-scale simulations of development and evolution under varying conditions using existing software (in Fortran).
• Data analysis using tools from quantitative genetics (e.g., calculating and comparing genetic and phenotypic covariance matrices).
• Interpreting results with theoretical concepts from evo-devo theory.

Eligibility Requirements

A researcher is primarily employed for research and must have obtained a PhD or have a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD.

Assessment Criteria

In the appointment process, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence. Experience and expertise in computer-based analysis, documented competence in evolutionary biology, and the ability to use the necessary software will be considered. Experience with a compiled programming language, such as Fortran, as well as high-level languages – such as R – for analysis, is also required. The candidate must have excellent skills in English, both spoken and written.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and is limited to 6 months. Start date is 2025-04-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work at Campus Solna, at SciLifeLab, and gain access to a dynamic research environment. Here, you will be part of SciLifeLab and the Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science – one of Sweden's largest and most ambitious research initiatives focusing on using data, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to study biological systems and processes.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Assistant Professor Lisandro Milocco, lisandro.milocco@zoologi.su.se (mailto:lisandro.milocco@zoologi.su.se).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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