Postdoctoral Fellow in Mathematical Population and Evolutionary Genomics

International Laboratory of Statistical and Computational Genomics Moscow, Russia

International Laboratory of Statistical and Computational Genomics (SCG Lab) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of population and evolutionary genomics. The research of the laboratory is focused on developing novel mathematical models in population and evolutionary genomics, creating new methods for genomic data analysis, and applying them to real data. We combine methods from probability theory, machine learning and computer science for analyzing human population history, studying fundamental principles of evolution etc. In particular, we are interested in understanding the genetic component of archaic human introgression into anatomically modern humans.

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

●     Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the fields of mathematics, physics, computer science, computational biology, engineering or related areas which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;

●   Candidates should have a strong background in subjects such as mathematical modelling, probability theory, machine learning, computer simulations etc., ability to conduct research, in particular develop mathematical models and methods for data analysis, implement scientific software and apply it to real data. Biological knowledge is not necessary, and candidates with pure mathematical and computer science background are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

●      Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;

●     Relevant experience will be an asset although not required.

The position involves:

●     working under the direct supervision of Vladimir Shchur, PhD, head of the SCG Lab;

●     participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on SCG Lab’s research projects such as:

o  developing new deep learning, Artificial Intelligence and geometry based methods for the analysis of population structure,

o  studying genetic variation of the Neanderthal component in present-day humans: we want to explain the difference between Neanderthal diversity within European and Asian populations, and to estimate the genetic diversity of those Neanderthals which admixed with anatomically modern humans etc.

o  identifying ghost archaic introgression in humans: there is strong evidence of gene flow from unknown ancient populations into ancestors of modern San population if Africa. We are interested in estimating parameters of this introgression and identify introgressed regions within the modern genomes.

●     writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with the members of the  SCG Lab;

●     participation in the events of the  SCG Lab and other contribution to the Lab’s development;

●     public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community;

●     some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

Conditions

Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have high opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times) in case of outstanding performance.

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan; a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The SCG Lab offers access to its resources, as well as HSE supercomputer and HSE library. The lab also offers a comfortable personal workspace in a scenic Moscow region Strogino with an access to a park and long embarkment.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via the online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring laboratory may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is February 8, 2024

Apply now

For more information:

-       about Postdoctoral Fellowship - Frequently Asked Questions

-       about HSE university – official web-site

-       about the SCG Lab – official web-site of the laboratory or contact Vladimir Shchur vshchur@hse.ru directly

-       about international specialists' life in Moscow - International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru