Postdoctoral Fellow in Zoology

Stockholm University

Institution: Stockholm University – Department of Zoology & SciLifeLab
Employment: Full-time, temporary
Salary: Individual salary setting
Number of positions: 2
Full-time equivalent: 100%
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Reference number: SU FV-0648-26
Application deadline: 31 March 2026

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Department Overview

The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University has ~80 employees, including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. Research and education occur in an international environment with focus on animal biology. Key research areas include evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, genomics, conservation, and behavior.

SciLifeLab is Sweden’s premier national research infrastructure for advanced molecular biosciences, located at Campus Solna, hosting research groups from Stockholm University, KTH, and Karolinska Institute.

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Project Description

We seek two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to develop mathematical and computational methods for modeling developmental and evolutionary dynamics. The positions are part of Assistant Professor Lisandro Milocco’s group at Stockholm University and SciLifeLab, under Sweden’s national Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) program funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Research Directions

1. Data-driven discovery of developmental trajectories
   • Develop frameworks to learn dynamical structure directly from time-series data
   • Methodological work includes nonlinear state-space reconstruction, system identification, reservoir computing, and related recurrent architectures
   • Focus on robustness, generalization, and performance in high-dimensional and noisy datasets
2. Developmental constraints on phenotypic variation
   • Identify low-dimensional structure in high-dimensional phenotypic data
   • Incorporate this structure into mathematical models of trait evolution across phylogenies
   • Combines dimensionality reduction, geometric data analysis, and statistically rigorous comparative methods

Applicants may focus on one direction or combine aspects of both.

Preferred Background: Quantitative biology, applied mathematics, physics, computational science, statistics, or related fields.

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Main Responsibilities

• Develop new quantitative methods and computational frameworks
• Implement and validate methods, perform simulations, and analyze empirical datasets
• Mathematical modeling, algorithm development, statistical analysis, and programming
• Contribute actively to the research group and SciLifeLab community
• Present results at international conferences
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Supervise students where applicable

Note: These positions do not involve lab work.

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Qualification Requirements

• Swedish doctoral degree or equivalent from another country, completed before the employment decision
• Preferably completed within 3 years prior to application deadline (exceptions for special circumstances)
• Doctorate in quantitative fields of biology, applied mathematics, physics, computational science, statistics, or related fields

Assessment Criteria:

• High-quality independent research
• Strong mathematical and quantitative training
• Experience in one or more: dynamical systems, nonlinear time-series analysis, system identification, reservoir computing, manifold learning, geometric data analysis, phylogenetic models of trait evolution
• Ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary research environment
• Scientific originality, analytical maturity, and long-term research potential

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Employment Details

• Duration: Minimum 2 years, maximum 3 years, with possibility of extension
• Start date: As soon as possible or by agreement
• Full-time employment

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Benefits

• Interdisciplinary and stimulating work environment
• Flexibility to develop own research interests with guidance
• Opportunities for research stays and conference participation
• Access to advanced computing facilities via SciLifeLab and Swedish National Supercomputer Centre
• Attractive welfare benefits and family-friendly environment in Stockholm

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Contact

Asst. Prof. Lisandro Milocco
Email: lisandro.milocco@zoologi.su.se

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Application

• Apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system
• Attach personal letter, CV, and required documents per application instructions
• Ensure application is complete and submitted before the deadline

Published: 26 February 2026
Application deadline: 31 March 2026

Stockholm University promotes equal opportunities and a discrimination-free workplace.