PhD position in theory of fitness landscapes
PhD position in theory of fitness landscapes at University of Bern International
A fully funded 4‑year PhD position supervised by Dr. Suman Das and Prof. Dr. Claudia Bank in the Division of Theoretical Ecology and Evolution (https://banklab.github.io/) at the University of Bern, Switzerland. The position is part of the SNSF project “Navigability of rugged fitness landscapes: determinants, consequences, and evolutionary feedback”. See this paper from the lab for an introduction to the general topic.
PhD Project
The project is theoretical in nature and will involve mathematical modelling, computer simulations, and/or data analysis. It should address some of the following questions:
* How do interactions between the effects of mutations at different genetic loci shape the adaptive paths in a fitness landscape? Which features of a complex fitness landscape facilitate the movement of a population toward better‑adapted genotypes?
* What are the roles of random processes such as stochastic tunnelling and drift in the traversal of fitness landscapes? How do stochastic effects interact with selection to influence evolutionary trajectories?
* How does the structure of a fitness landscape itself evolve (e.g., via changes in genome size) over long timescales? What are the consequences of landscape evolution for adaptation, robustness, and evolvability?
Your profile
Candidates should be highly motivated, creative, and keen to work both independently and collaboratively. We welcome applications from diverse scientific backgrounds (physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, biology). We are particularly interested in candidates who are fascinated by evolutionary biology, have a strong background in mathematical modelling, and enjoy programming. In their motivation letter, applicants from outside biology should explain why they are interested in studying evolution; applicants from biology should describe why they wish to join a theoretical research group. Candidates must have good communication skills in English, have a Master’s degree, and the position is open to applicants worldwide.
We are committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology and evolution, and we especially encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Work environment
The Division of Theoretical Ecology and Evolution is a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research group. Current and former group members include trained biologists, physicists, mathematicians, bioinformaticians, anthropologists, and biochemists. Collaborators include Prof. Dr. Joachim Krug (Uni Köln), Prof. Dr. Anne‑Florence Bitbol (EPFL), and Dr. Stephan Peischl (Uni Bern). Our lab philosophy emphasizes open communication, regular meetings, and support for mentoring and career development. The PhD student will have ample opportunities for interactions across research fields and with the broader international community. The University of Bern is located near the center of the historic city, and the quality of life in Bern is very high.
Job details
Starting date is negotiable, ideally in spring 2026. Salary: 50,000 CHF plus social security contributions.
Contact and Application
Please submit your application via the portal by 9 January 2026. Applicants must submit one merged PDF that includes a motivation letter (≤ 500 words) mentioning the desired starting date, CV, names and contact details of two referees, and copies of relevant publications and/or Master thesis. Contact Dr. Suman Das (suman.das@unibe.ch) for questions.
Apply now: www.karriere.unibe.ch
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