Job Description

University of Bern, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, PI: Gerald Heckel



A PostDoc position is available for research on the diversity, evolution and ecology of virus populations in free-roaming dogs in Africa and Asia. This position is part of an interdisciplinary project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) determining the role of free-roaming dogs in the spread and persistence of infectious disease. The project combines experts from veterinary and social sciences, epidemiology, mathematical modelling and population genetics to test effects of landscape, infrastructure and human-dog relationships for disease transmission. A PhD student works in parallel on the population genomics of dogs, and doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from the other disciplines will collaborate. The overarching goal of the project is to formulate effective and socially accepted control strategies to reduce infection and disease burden in dogs and humans.


A very skilled, reliable and highly-motivated researcher is needed who is able to work with a diverse team of local and international collaborators and independently. You must have a solid background in evolutionary biology, and practical experience with the assessment of virome diversity based on NGS, bioinformatics, population genetics and/or evolutionary genomics. A PhD in a relevant field is required. Experience with laboratory work for viromics (RNA/DNA genomics, metabarcoding, shotgun, targeted enrichment) is essential. Participation in fieldwork in Uganda, Chad and Indonesia is not required. Most of your time will be devoted to the production and analysis of genomic datasets, and the preparation of presentations and manuscripts. A key role in the publication of manuscripts in leading scientific journals is expected. Involvement in student mentoring and light teaching is possible.


The position is funded for up to three years with an earliest starting date in December 2025. The group is part of the Institute of Ecology and Evolution with a stimulating, multi-national research community and excellent infrastructure. English is the work language. Some knowledge of German or French is beneficial for living in Switzerland but it is not necessary for the project. Informal inquiries can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Gerald Heckel gerald.heckel@unibe.ch.
To be considered, your application must be sent as a

single (!!!) pdf file

to Jolanda Paganoni jolanda.paganoni4@unibe.ch.
The pdf must include a description of your motivation for this project and which particular skills and research experience make you a great candidate (maximum 2 pages), a CV with publication list and contact details of 2-3 reference persons. Review of applications will start mid-August 2025.



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