Heidelberg University (ZMBH / Kaessmann Lab) Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary Genomics (Experimental/Computational), Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg University (ZMBH – Center for Molecular Biology) is hiring a Postdoctoral Position in Evolutionary Genomics (Experimental/Computational) in Heidelberg, Germany. The application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Job Details

Organization: Heidelberg University (ZMBH – Center for Molecular Biology)

Research Group: Evolutionary genomics group of Henrik Kaessmann

Country: Germany

City: Heidelberg

Type of Contract: Temporary

Working Hours: Full-time

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Number of Offers: Two

Posted: 1 September 2026

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Job Description

A postdoctoral position (3 years, with possible extension) is available in the Kaessmann lab. The lab seeks a highly qualified, motivated candidate with interest in evolutionary questions and strong background and hands-on experience in experimental molecular and genomics approaches; additional computational/bioinformatics experience is highly welcome.

Projects usually combine experimental and computational components tailored to the candidate.

Research Focus: Origins and molecular evolution of organs in mammals and other vertebrates and underlying genomic changes, with particular focus on evolution of gene expression and its regulatory basis.

The lab has generated extensive comparative genomics datasets (e.g. single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq) across species and analyses them with state-of-the-art bioinformatics, increasingly incorporating AI and deep learning.

Key Responsibilities

Possible projects address:

  • Evolution of gene expression across expression layers, organs and species.
  • Generation of new datasets using cutting-edge experimental approaches (e.g. long-read spatial transcriptomics).
  • Molecular and functional characterisation using organoid and mouse models, CRISPR-based approaches and synthetic genomics supported by the Center for Synthetic Genomics.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualification: PhD / Doctorate in Biological Sciences / Genomics / Molecular Biology / Bioinformatics

Experience: Postdoctoral (early-career; Freshers eligible as recent doctorates)

Required Skills

  • Interest in evolutionary questions.
  • Strong background and hands-on experience in experimental molecular and genomics approaches.

Desirable: Additional computational/bioinformatics experience is highly welcome.

Documents Required

  • CV
  • Statement of research interests
  • Names and contact details of three references

How to Apply

Apply by email to [email protected].

Additional Information

  • Working language: English.
  • The lab culture emphasises collaborative experimental–computational teams and an international community.
  • The lab is in proximity to EMBL, DKFZ, HITS and Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Apply by email to [email protected] before 30 November 2026.