Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Population Genetics (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The successful candidate will join a research team specializing in population genetics and evolutionary biology at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM).
The LandCline project (Multigenic Cline Theory Across Heterogeneous Landscapes and Its Implications for Genomic Offset Approaches) aims to develop a theoretical framework to better understand how natural selection, dispersal, local demography, and the genetic architecture of traits shape patterns of genomic variation across heterogeneous landscapes.
The primary objective is to investigate the conditions under which genetic clines emerge and are maintained under multilocus selection, considering both local adaptation (extrinsic selection) and genetic incompatibilities (intrinsic selection), as well as their interactions.
The project will also assess the implications of these processes for the interpretation of genotype–environment associations (GEA) and the reliability of Genomic Offset approaches, particularly those used to predict population responses to environmental change.

Activity

The research will focus on the development and analysis of theoretical models and numerical simulations of genetic clines across spatially heterogeneous landscapes.
The main activities will include:
- Modeling local adaptation: Investigating the emergence and maintenance of genetic clines as a function of genetic architecture and dispersal.
- Investigating interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic selection: Analyzing the mechanisms underlying the formation and coupling of genetic clines.
- Developing numerical simulations: Modeling interactions among selection, dispersal, and demography in heterogeneous environments.
- Applications to Genomic Offset approaches: Assessing the implications of these processes for genotype–environment associations and predictions of maladaptation.
- Scientific literature review: Critically evaluating studies that use Genomic Offset approaches, particularly in the context of environmental change.
The project will involve national and international collaborations in theoretical population genetics and evolutionary biology.

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants must hold a PhD in population genetics, evolutionary biology, or quantitative genetics, with experience in theoretical modeling and/or numerical simulations.

Required Skills and Expertise
- Strong knowledge of theoretical population genetics, particularly models of natural selection, migration–selection balance, local adaptation, genetic clines, and multilocus selection.
- Familiarity with quantitative genetic models and Fisher's Geometric Model would be an advantage.
- Ability to develop, analyze, and interpret theoretical models in population genetics and evolutionary biology.
- Experience with spatially explicit models and analytical approaches would be an asset.
- Ability to use, adapt, or develop simulation tools in population genetics.
- Proficiency in at least one scientific programming language (Python, R, C++, or equivalent).
- Experience analyzing data generated from numerical simulations.
- Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying genetic divergence and methods for analyzing genotype–environment associations.
- Familiarity with Genomic Offset approaches would be an advantage.
- Ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and critically evaluate theoretical and empirical research.
- Capacity to place research findings within the broader context of existing scientific knowledge.

Professional and Interpersonal Skills
- Ability to conduct theoretical and computational research rigorously.
- Strong organizational skills to plan and coordinate the different stages of the research project.
- Commitment to ensuring the reproducibility of analyses.
- Ability to develop original approaches, solve complex scientific problems, and propose new research directions.
- Ability to collaborate with researchers from complementary scientific backgrounds in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
- Ability to write scientific articles in English.
- Ability to present and discuss research findings during scientific meetings and at national and international conferences.
- Ability to compare theoretical predictions with simulation results and empirical observations.
- Capacity to identify the implications and limitations of the models developed.

Your Work Environment

The Institute of Evolutionary Sciences of Montpellier (ISEM – UMR 5554) is primarily located on the Triolet Campus of the University of Montpellier, France.
The institute brings together more than 250 staff members, including permanent researchers, academic faculty, engineers, technicians, and non-permanent personnel such as fixed-term researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and interns.
For more than 40 years, ISEM has conducted research on the origin and dynamics of biodiversity and the mechanisms and processes underlying evolution.
Its fundamental research in evolutionary biology addresses both present-day and past biodiversity, encompasses a wide range of organisms and environments, and combines field-based, experimental, and theoretical approaches.
This fundamental research is closely connected to applied and predictive research addressing one of the major scientific and societal challenges of the 21st century, in collaboration with the humanities, medicine, and society: "How can biodiversity respond to global environmental change?"

The successful candidate will work within the "Evolution and Demography" research team, led by Guillaume MARTIN.

Constraints and risks

No specific constraints or occupational risks have been identified.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3071€ gross per month, depending on experience.

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions