Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Statistical and Population Genetics

This post is fixed-term until 31 July 2024.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant funded by the European Research Council (ERC), working in the group of Pier Palamara at the University of Oxford. This post will be responsible for developing and extending statistical inference methods for the inference of past historical events [1]. The successful candidate will have or be near the completion of a PhD or equivalent in a quantitative discipline, for example computer science, statistics, machine learning, statistical or population genetics, or related disciplines. They also should have experience in developing and applying novel statistical methods, including their software implementation, and a strong interest in the reconstruction and analysis of human evolutionary history.

[1] Fournier et al, Haplotype-based inference of recent effective population size in modern and ancient DNA samples. Nature Communications, 2023.

We proudly hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award and a departmental Athena SWAN Silver Award, which guide our progress towards advancing racial and gender equality. [As part of our commitment to openness, inclusivity and transparency, we would particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in positions of this type at Oxford. Applicants will be selected for interview purely based on their ability to satisfy the selection criteria as outlined in full in the job description.

To apply, you will be required to upload a statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a copy of your curriculum vitae, and the contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

Please direct informal enquiries about the post to Professor Pier Palamara ([email protected]), quoting vacancy reference 170119. Please note that the University of Oxford and Department of Statistics will be closed from 5pm (GMT) on 20 December 2023 until 9am on 2 January 2024. Any enquiries submitted during this period will be responded to in early January 2024. 

Only applications received before 12.00 noon UK time on 3 January 2024 can be considered. Interviews are anticipated to be held on 8 January 2024.