The Swiss Ornithological Institute is a non-profit foundation dedicated to ornithology and the protection of birds. It monitors native birds, researches their way of life and advocates for threatened species. It looks after injured and orphaned birds, provides information and advice to the public, and runs a visitor center in Sempach. The Swiss Ornithological Institute currently has over 200 employees in all parts of the country.The project in which you will work is situated within the bird migration unit, which investigates diverse aspects of bird migration using a wide array of approaches, including individual tracking, radar ornithology, and genomics. The project aims at uncovering the processes and molecular variation involved in the evolution of new migration phenotypes in several bird species.
To reinforce the team we are looking for the following person from 1st of April 2026 or up-on agreement,
Postdoc Bird Population Genomics (80-100%)
Your tasks
In this function you work with your colleagues within the Unit as well as in other units of the institute and support your colleagues with the population genomic analysis of whole-genome resequencing data. Your main duties include:
• Population genomic analysis of large-scale whole genome resequencing data sets.
• Relatedness analysis based on low-coverage whole-genome resequencing data.
• Writing of scientific papers and support therein.
• Management of whole-genome resequencing data.
Your profile
• PhD in evolutionary biology, population genomics, or bioinformatics; or similar qualifications.
• Experience with management and analysis of large-scale whole-genome resequencing data.
• Proficiency in scientific writing.
• Experience in supporting projects with genomic analyses.
• Working language is English, knowledge of German or French is a plus.
We offer
We offer a diverse position with a lot of responsibilities in a diversified work environment. Furthermore, we offer family-friendly and flexible working times, good opportunities for further education and exemplary social benefits. This job is initially limited to 1.5-2 years/s. Workplace is Sempach.
Are you interested?
The Swiss Ornithological Institutes values diversity of staff. We therefore consider all qualified applications. Further information can be provided by Reto Burri, project leader, Head of Scientific Support. We are looking forward to your application (motivation letter, CV, certifi-cates) in a single PDF document submitted over our application portal by latest 20.01.2026.
Other applications cannot be considered. Job interviews are scheduled by invitation for 06.02.2026.