Postdoc positions are available in the new Evolutionary Bioinformatics research unit (head Olivier Gascuel) of the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France.
The huge amount of molecular data available nowadays can help addressing new and essential questions in evolution. However, reconstructing evolution requires models, algorithms, and statistical and computational methods of ever increasing complexity. Out unit aims at developing new approaches that are able to tackle efficiently the ever increasing amount of sequence data, in the field of evolution and molecular phylogeny. The preferred applications relate to the evolution of viruses (notably HIV) and other pathogens, with the aim of correlating their evolutionary history to epidemiological data. Designing algorithms able to help in the surveillance of epidemics is one of our main goals. We recently published papers on these topics in Systematic Biology, Molecular Biology and Evolution, PNAS and AIDS. We also investigated theoretical questions, with publications in Algorithmica, Journal of Theoretical Biology and Mathematical Biosciences.
We are looking for postdocs to tackle large scale problems, related to ancestral reconstructions, phylogeography, dating, selection pressure measurements, and molecular epidemiology in general. One of the projects is to conceive a fast, probabilistic version of PhyloType (Chevenet et al, Bioinformatics 2013), within the H2020 European Project VIROGENESIS, and compare the results with those of Bayesian approaches. Other subjects will be discussed with the applicants. The salary corresponds to the standard in France (2100€ to 2600€ after tax, depending on the experience). The contracts will be for 18 months minimum, renewable when productive.
Successful applicants will have high motivations for phylogenetics and/or molecular epidemiology, and good publication records. We’ll also consider candidates having a solid experience in mathematical modeling of different biological data and questions. Strong skills in programming are required, along with a taste for collaborations and the ability to discuss with a variety of researchers, ranging from mathematics to experimental biology.
To apply please send a single pdf document to Olivier Gascuel (firstname.lastname@pasteur.fr) : a detailed CV (2-3 pages, with publication list), a cover letter explaining your research interests, projects, and motivations to join us (1-2 pages), and three references who we’ll contact to obtain advices on your application. Don’t hesitate to contact Olivier Gascuel if you need more information.