Postdoctoral Fellow in Population and Quantitative Genomics

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in population and quantitative genomics for the HiPerBreedSim project. This role involves developing algorithms for simulating genomic data and working with advanced software packages. The position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to be part of a diverse, international community.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Competitive pension schemes

Staff discounts

Family-friendly initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-level programming language is required.
• Passion for population and quantitative genomics is essential.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms and code for simulating population genomic data.
• Work primarily with AlphaSimR package and its operability with msprime and SLiM.

Skills

Population and quantitative genomics

Ancestral recombination graphs

High-level programming language

Open-source software development

Collaboration in multidisciplinary teams

Job description

Grade UE07: £40,497 - £48,149 per annum (pro-rata if part-time)

CMVM / R(D)SVS / The Roslin Institute

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for 36 months

The Opportunity:

We are looking to fill a post for postdoctoral fellow in population and quantitative genomics within the BBSRC-funded HiPerBreedSim project. In this role, you will leverage recent advances in working with ancestral recombination graphs (ARGs) to develop algorithms and code for simulating population genomic data, including polyploids, for breeding programmes and evolutionary studies. You will primarily work with AlphaSimR package and its operability with msprime and SLiM.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working, all based in the UK.

The maximum starting salary for this post is£40,497 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• You are passionate about population and quantitative genomics or ancestral recombination graphs.
• You have experience in a high-level programming language.
• You are interested in developing open-source software for academic and applied work.
• You are independent, organised, and thrive in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working in globally important sector.
• Please inspect the call documentation regarding the essential and desirable knowledge, skills and experience needed for the post.

Click to view a copy of the full job description (opens new browser tab).

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• Cover letter

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• A competitive starting salary of £40,497 per annum.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on ourstaff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on ourright to work webpages (opens new browser tab).

The University is able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. If successful, an international applicant requiring sponsorship to work in the UK will need to satisfy the UK Home Office’s English Language requirements and apply for and secure a Skilled Worker Visa . Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 18th June 2025.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date (late in June or early July).