The Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Großhansdorf offers a full-time position (39 hours/week) at the earliest possible date for a limited period of 36 months for a

research assistant / PostDoc (f/m/d)

(biology, forestry, bioinformatics or related disciplines)

to work on the ANR-DFG-funded bilateral project “Pangenome analysis of European beech to elucidate the role of structural genetic variation in local adaptation and phenotypic differentiation under different environments.”

In this project we want to elucidate the role of structural genetic variation in adaptive differentiation of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and study the effects of genotype-environment interactions in two parallel common gardens in France and Germany. We will first generate a graph-based beech pangenome using genetically diverse individuals originating from different geographic regions from across the distribution range. We will then integrate resequencing data, phenotypes and environmental variables from more than 1000 individuals from each of the two sites. This will provide exciting insights into the genetic basis of adaptive differentiation and future ecosystem stability.

Tasks:

• Analysis and assembly of long-read sequencing data, specifically PacBio HiFi and ONT UL
• Generation of a graph-based pangenome
• Integration of large Illumina resequencing datasets with the pangenome graph
• (Pan-)genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genotype-environment association analyses (GEAs) by combining the genomic data with phenotypes and environmental variables
• Organization and implementation of sampling in the field for high-molecular weight DNA extraction
• Data analysis, visualization and interpretation
• Publication and presentation of results
• Further development of ideas and active advancement of the project

We expect from the applicant the following qualifications:

• University degree (M.Sc./dipl.) in biology, forestry, bioinformatics or related disciplines
• Substantial practical experience in bioinformatic analyses of genomic data, preferentially in the context of a PhD thesis
• Enthusiasm for science and high motivation to contribute to pushing forward the boundaries of current knowledge
• Excellent English language skills
• Willingness to participate in multi-day business trips
• Extensive experience in using high-performance computer clusters
• Excellent data analysis skills, especially in Linux environments and with R

The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD); remuneration is paid in accordance with pay group 13 TVöD.

We support the compatibility of work and family life and have been awarded the auditberufundfamilie certificate. In order to support compatibility, the Thünen Institute offers flexible working time models, home office, mobile working and teleworking, among other things, within the scope of official possibilities. Part-time employment is generally possible.

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given preferential consideration in the selection process. Please enclose proof of severe disability or equalisation with your application.

Please contact Niels Müller (+49 (0)4102-696108, niels.mueller@thuenen.de) for further information.

Interested candidates should send their application (including motivation letter, CV , copies of relevant certificates and letter of recommendation) as a single PDF file via email referring to “2024-278-FG“ until January 5th, 2025 to

fg-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute

Institute of Forest Genetics

Sieker Landstraße 2

22927 Großhansdorf

Information in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the collection of personal data can be found at

www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere