PhD position in canine genomics at the University of Gdansk, Poland
Dr Małgorzata Pilot, a leader of a research group in mammalian evolutionary genomics at the University of Gdansk, Poland is looking for candidates for a PhD position in canine genomics. The PhD project will be focused on the evolution of phenotypic traits considered as part of Domestication Syndrome in dogs. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Domestication Lab at VetMed University Vienna. The start date for the PhD studies is the 1st of October 2026, and the duration is 4 years.
This position will involve laboratory work to prepare DNA for the genotyping on SNP arrays and Next Generation Sequencing (including DNA extraction and quantification, and preparation of NGS libraries) and the analysis of the genomic datasets alongside the phenotypic data. The work will require learning new methods of data analysis, and therefore strong self-motivation and willingness to learn is essential. The work will involve preparation of research papers as a first author and contribution of the work on research papers as a team member. The project will not involve fieldwork, but there will be an opportunity to visit the project’s field site. The PhD studies involve participation in lectures and other activities being part of the curriculum as well as contribution to undergraduate teaching.
The PhD studies commence on the 1st October 2026 and should be completed with the thesis submission within 4 years. A stipend is available for the 4 years of the PhD studies and is not extendable. The stipend is sufficient to cover life expenses of a single person. The Doctoral School does not charge tuition fees.
Research environment
The University of Gdansk offers education to 22 thousand students and carries out research in most fields of academic knowledge. The University is highly committed to gender equality and has achieved fourth position globally in the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019, which measures the participation of women in scientific publications at universities. The University is a member of a consortium of European University of the Seas – SEA-EU, which is intended as a first step towards establishing an international, multilingual European University.
The research group is based at the Faculty of Biology, and is part of the Department of Evolutionary Genetics and Biosystematics. The research at the Department is focused on a broad range of themes in animal evolution and ecology, including systematics, biogeography, molecular ecology, and evolutionary genomics. The Faculty of Biology is based in a large modern building opened in 2012. Gdańsk is a historic city at the coast of the Baltic Sea and a popular tourist destination (https://visitgdansk.com/home.qbpage?setLanguage=en).
Requirements
- MSc degree in biological sciences or a related area, awarded or to be awarded before July 2026
- Good theoretical knowledge of population genetics
- Experience with molecular genetics labwork and the analysis of DNA - sequence data
- Good knowledge of English
- Experience with NGS data analysis and/or with programming will be an advantage
Candidates should send a Curriculum vitae (including the list of publications and/or manuscripts in preparation, conference presentations and other outputs) and a short motivation letter (maximum one A4 page) to Dr Małgorzata Pilot (malgorzata.pilot@ug.edu.pl) no later than 5th of June 2026. The title of the message should be “Application for a PhD position in canine genomics”. Informal inquiries can be addressed to Małgorzata Pilot. The candidates will be assessed based on the information in the submitted documents and may be invited for an online interview, which will be carried out in mid-June. The selected candidate will be requested to submit an application to the Doctoral School and attend an oral entry exam (online or in person).

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