Doctoral Position in Evolutionary Genomics (Experimental/Computational)

About this position

A PhD position (3 years, with possible extension) is available immediately in the evolutionary genomics group of Henrik Kaessmann at Heidelberg University. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

We are seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate with a keen interest in evolutionary questions and a passion and aptitude for experimental molecular/genomics work, computational/bioinformatics analyses, or both. Projects in our lab usually combine experimental and computational components, with the relative emphasis tailored to the specific project and the candidate’s interests and expertise.

Our lab investigates a broad range of questions related to the origins and molecular evolution of organs in mammals and other vertebrates and the underlying genomic changes, with a particular focus on the evolution of gene expression and its regulatory basis (see home.kaessmannlab.org and zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/kaessmann for more information). As part of this research, we have generated extensive comparative genomics datasets (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq) across species, based on samples from our unique organ collections, and analyzed them using state-of-the-art bioinformatics approaches, increasingly incorporating AI and deep learning (see, e.g., Sarropoulos et al., Science 2026). This work has provided insights into the origins and functional evolution of protein-coding genes, alternative splicing, long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and sex chromosomes across organs and species, as well as their phenotypic implications.

We currently offer a range of possible projects addressing the evolution of gene expression and its regulatory basis across expression layers, organs, and species in mammals and other vertebrates. These projects will combine the generation of unique new datasets using cutting-edge experimental approaches (e.g., long-read spatial transcriptomics) across diverse organs, from the brain to the gonads, with state-of-the-art computational and deep-learning approaches. Projects may also include detailed molecular and functional characterization of particularly exciting candidate evolutionary changes using organoid and mouse models, CRISPR-based approaches, and synthetic genomics, supported by the expertise and infrastructure of our local Center for Synthetic Genomics ( www.syn-gen.de ).

Specific projects will be developed together with the successful candidates based on their individual interests, expertise, and skills.

In our lab, we place great importance on a collaborative, supportive, and positive team spirit. Many of our projects are driven by small, closely interacting teams of experimental and computational researchers who combine complementary expertise and work together enthusiastically. We also greatly value the diverse cultural and international backgrounds of our lab members, which contribute to an open and enriching research environment.

The working language of our institute is English, and its members form a highly international community. The ZMBH is located in Heidelberg, a picturesque and vibrant international city on the Neckar River and at the edge of the Odenwald forest. Heidelberg offers an exceptionally stimulating and collaborative research environment, with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), and Max Planck Institute for Medical Research located in close proximity to the University.

For more information about our group and the institute more generally, please visit our website at the ZMBH ( http://www.zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de/Kaessmann/ ).

Please submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names and contact details of three references to Henrik Kaessmann ( h.kaessmann@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de ).