Postdoc in Conservation Genomics of Freshwater Mussels (80%) (m/f/d)

The Department of  Aquatic Ecology (Eco) has a vacancy for a

The position is based in the Adaptation & Conservation Genomics group led by Dr Alexandra A.-T. Weber and is funded for three years through the SNSF project “Multifaceted approach to understand freshwater mussel decline and resilience in the face of global warming”. The project involves close collaboration with Prof. Tadeusz Zając (Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland) and Prof. Jasna Lajtner (University of Zagreb, Croatia). 

The project aims to uncover the causes of population decline and resilience in the Unio cras-sus species complex, a group of critically endangered freshwater mussels. It will integrate whole-genome resequencing of wild populations with transcriptomic, epigenomic, microbiome, environmental, and fitness data. The overarching goals are to identify hybrid zones, assess genetic diversity and local adaptation, and evaluate how biotic and abiotic stressors - particularly those linked to climate change - affect mussel fitness. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to clarify the molecular and ecological mechanisms driving vulnerability and resilience in freshwater mussel populations. 

Main responsibilities: 

• Analyze whole-genome resequencing data (e.g. genetic diversity, effective population size, demographic history, selection scans) 
• Analyze transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets to investigate molecular responses to environmental stress 
• Publish findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals 

The position also offers opportunities to participate in fieldwork in Croatia and Poland, contribute to student supervision, and develop independent research ideas within the scope of the project.

Ideally, the successful candidate has the following qualifications: 

• A recent (<4 years) PhD in evolutionary ecology, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Strong interest and demonstrated experience in evolutionary genomics and/or conservation genomics 
• Proficiency in working with high-performance computing (HPC) environments and handling large-scale genomic datasets 
• Excellent communication skills in English and a strong ability to work collaboratively in a team 

The position is based in the Department of Aquatic Ecology. The postdoc will interact with a diverse range of researchers studying community ecology, evolutionary biology, ecological genetics and ecosystem science. The Adaptation and Conservation Genomics group works on biodiversity genomics in aquatic ecosystems. 

Eawag is a modern employer and offers an excellent working environment where staff can contribute their strengths, experience, and ways of thinking. We promote gender equality and are committed to staff diversity and inclusion. The compatibility of career and family is of central importance to us. For more information about Eawag and our work conditions please consult www.eawag.ch and www.eawag.ch/en/aboutus/working/employment . 

Applications must be submitted by 22 August 2025 and should include: 

• Cover letter with a concise statement about your previous education and research experience, your motivation to work on this project and your vision for the future (2 pages maximum) 
• Curriculum vitae including a publication list (please highlight your most relevant publication for this position) 
• Copies of your academic qualifications 
• Names and contact information of 2-3 academic references (please do not include letters with the application) 

The position is expected to start 1 January 2026. 

For further information, please contact E-Mail schreiben. 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it through this webpage, as any other way of applying will not be considered. A click on the button below will take you directly to the application form.