Department of Ecology

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop and implement tools for analyzing results from Bayesian inference of phylogenetic models.

About the Job

A postdoctoral position is available in Mariana Braga’s group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Evolving Networks lab (evonetslab.github.io (http://evonetslab.github.io)) focuses on understanding how species interactions change over time and space, with an emphasis on interactions between butterfly larvae and plants, as well as the development of phylogenetic methods. EvonetsLab is funded by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council and a DDLS Fellowship from SciLifeLab and the Wallenberg Swedish program for data-driven life science.

The selected candidate will work within the development team for TreePPL (www.treeppl.org (http://www.treeppl.org)), a universal probabilistic programming language and new software for phylogenetics. The selected candidate will be responsible for the project’s user interface, through the development of the R package treepplr (www.github.com/treeppl/treepplr (http://www.github.com/treeppl/treepplr)). The work will involve the development and implementation of methods to test model accuracy, inference diagnostics, model comparisons, and visualization of output from various models, including host repertoire evolution, tree inference, and diversification.

The working language of the research group is English, so applicants must be fluent in English. To carry out the tasks, the applicant must be able to take initiative and work independently. The applicant must be solution-oriented and inventive in solving technical problems. We place great importance on personal qualities such as teamwork. The successful candidate will work closely with other group members, which requires good communication skills, willingness to collaborate, and reliability.

Your Background

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent yet collaborative candidate with documented experience in phylogenetic comparative methods and R package development.

The postdoctoral position is a career-developing appointment for early-career researchers, so we are seeking a candidate who has completed their PhD no more than three years ago (excluding deductible time such as sick or parental leave). Applicants must have a doctoral degree at the time of employment.

Requirements:

• PhD in ecology, evolution, bioinformatics, or related fields
• Previous research experience in phylogenetic comparative methods
• Excellent knowledge of the R programming language
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Documented ability to conduct independent research and publish results scientifically
• Good collaboration skills
• Personal suitability

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with Bayesian statistics and model accuracy
• Experience in R package development
• Familiarity with RevBayes and probabilistic programming
• Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary projects

Application should include:

• A personal motivation letter describing your qualifications in relation to the listed requirements
• A CV including a publication list
• Copies of all published publications
• Contact information for two referees

The selection among applicants who meet the basic qualifications will be based on the merits above, assessed through CV, publications, and personal motivation letter. A selection of candidates will be invited for an interview, after which references may be contacted. A second interview and/or a written test may be relevant as a final selection procedure. Applicants who do not proceed in the process will only be notified via the system when the position is filled.

About Us

The SLU Department of Ecology is one of the largest centers for ecological research in the Nordic countries. We combine ecological basic research and applied research in nature conservation, wildlife management, forestry, and plant protection.

The Evolving Networks Lab is part of the Insect Ecology unit.

We in the Insect Ecology unit strive to better understand insects – how they interact with each other, with other organisms (including humans), and with the surrounding environment. We also study the evolutionary history of insects to better understand their future. The knowledge we gain can be used not only to conserve species and ecosystems but also to determine how we can sustainably utilize insects. We collaborate with many people both within and outside academia.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Uppsala.

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with possible extension.

Extent:

100%.

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-05-11.

Union Contact Persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.