The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön is an internationally oriented institution whose research focuses on the principles, mechanisms and effects of evolutionary change. Around 200 employees from more than 30 nations currently work at our institute in the departments of Theoretical Biology and Microbial Population Biology, as well as in a number of independent research groups.

A Postdoctoral position (m/f/d) is available in the Evolution of Polygenic Traits Research Group.

Our group studies the genetic basis of adaptation in complex traits. We take a multidisciplinary approach, integrating temporal genomic and high-throughput phenotypic data from experimental evolution in highly replicated Drosophila populations with theoretical models and computer simulations. 

Adaptation of complex traits is assumed to occur through subtle frequency changes at many loci following a shift in the trait optimum, i.e. polygenic adaptation. Many factors, such as population size, pleiotropy and genetic redundancy among contributing loci, affect adaptation. The successful postdoc will be involved in a project that aims to investigate the genetic architecture of a polygenic trait, embryo size in Drosophila, and to study the effect of distance to trait optimum on the adaptive architecture. Our group has recently developed an accurate and high-throughput method for embryo size measurement using large particle flow cytometry. The postdoc will establish an experimental framework to shift the average embryo size with different intensities in replicate populations of Drosophila. The technicians will support the successful candidate for the maintenance of the experimental populations. The genetic architecture of embryo size will be determined using GWAS on several available Drosophila panels. In a parallel evolve and re-sequence (E&R) project, Drosophila populations will be experimentally evolved for larger/smaller embryo size. The postdoc will be responsible for the analysis of GWAS, and time-series genomic and phenotypic (embryo size, gene expression) data.

The position is available from the earliest possible starting date. Social benefits are based on the German Civil Service Collective Agreement (TVöD, Bund). The salary includes all mandatory social insurance contributions for health care, long-term care, unemployment, and retirement. The duration of postdoc is 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• PhD in evolutionary biology, quantitative genetics, or related field.
• Strong background in quantitative genetics, solid programming skills (Python, R, etc.), and experience in handling large datasets.
• A solid background in population genetics and statistics will be a bonus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• We especially encourage applicants who are interested in developing their own complementary research directions.

How to apply

The application should include

1. CV including a list of publications and methodological skills,
2. a statement of research interests,
3. and contact information for three references.

The required application material should be sent as a single PDF to: barghi@evolbio.mpg.de. While the search will continue until the position is filled, applications should be received by December 22, 2025 to ensure full consideration.

For further inquiries, please contact the principal investigator (Dr. Neda Barghi, barghi@evolbio.mpg.de) directly.

The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly welcome. In addition, the Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from any background.