PhD position in Conservation Genomics

We invite applications for a PhD position within the project “Genetic load and adaptive potential of European bison”, funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS grant.

About the Project

In this project, we will investigate the dynamics of genomic erosion in the European bison, a species that survived both the late Pleistocene megafaunal extinction and extinction in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. To quantify the impact of these events on genomic health, we will develop analytical pipelines to estimate genetic load and compare it between historical and contemporary samples. We will further annotate and analyze genes involved in pathogen response, exploring patterns of genetic variation and genetic load within these functionally important regions. Finally, we will move beyond classical genetic markers to characterize structural variation in contemporary populations. To achieve these objectives, we are assembling an interdisciplinary team that will apply state-of-the-art genomic and bioinformatic approaches.

About the Position

The position is funded for 48 months. The successful candidate will work in the ancient DNA (aDNA) laboratory, extracting DNA and sequencing genomes from available specimens. The resulting data will be used to quantify the dynamics of genomic erosion over time, using bioinformatic tools developed by other members of the team. The research will involve both wet-lab work and statistical and population genomic analyses of ancient and contemporary samples, and may also include museum-based work to collect additional material. The PhD student will be supervised by Mateusz Konczal (evolutionary genomics) and co-supervised by Maciej Chyleński and Anna Juras (archaeogeneticists) from ancient DNA laboratory. The student will gain extensive experience in handling and interpreting historical and ancient samples, as well as in large-scale genomic analyses.

Host Institution, Location and Partners

The PhD student will be based at the Evolutionary Biology Group, Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) in Poznań, Poland —  one of the leading research groups in Ecology and Evolution in Europe (https://evobio.web.amu.edu.pl/) and will work in close collaboration with ancient DNA Laboratory AMU and Mammal Research Institute in Białowieża.  Poznań is a vibrant, safe and  green city offering good balance between nature and culture. Several lakes located within the city along with green areas offer excellent access to outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing or cycling. The city offers modern museums, theaters, cinemas and restaurants, as well as fast connections to Warsaw and Berlin.

Requirements

The successful candidate must hold (or expect to obtain by June 2026) a M.Sc. degree in relevant field. We seek applicants with:

• A strong interest in Evolutionary and Conservation Genomics.
• Experience in molecular laboratory, preferentially with interest in aDNA techniques
• Strong English language, communication and organizational skills.

Previous experience in conservation genomics, museomics and/or aDNA analyses is an advantage, but not required.  

Application Process

To apply please send:

• a cover letter explaining your background, skills and motivation for this position,
• a CV,
• contact details of at least one academic reference willing to provide a recommendation.

Applications and informal inquiries should be sent to Mateusz Konczal (mateusz.konczal@amu.edu.pl).

Deadline & Selection Process

Review of applications is ongoing. To ensure full consideration, please apply as early as possibly (but not later than 30^th April 2026). The selected candidate will receive assistance with the formal application to the PhD school at AMU, with entrance exams scheduled for early July 2026.

The PhD position starts on the 1st October 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application!