Master's thesis on "Koala Structural Variants"

The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., a part of the Leibniz Association, aims to understand and, where possible, ‘improve’ the adaptive capacity of wild animals to cope with global change. To this end, it focuses on the diversity of lifestyles, diseases and mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation of mammals and birds, on the limits of these mechanisms in natural and anthropogenically influenced environments, and on conservation strategies that take these into account. The Institute fulfils this mission through long-term, application-oriented, interdisciplinary basic research in evolutionary ecology, ecological dynamics, evolutionary genetics, wildlife diseases, reproductive biology and reproductive management.

For our Department of Wildlife Diseases we are offering a master’s thesis project on Koala Structural Variants.

In light of recent developments in the field of long-read sequencing, the study of structural genetic variants (e.g., insertions, deletions, inversions, duplications, and transposable elements) is bringing a new layer of understanding to genetic adaptations to environments and diseases. In the case of koalas, retroelements, particularly the recently endogenized Koala Retrovirus (KoRV), are known to be linked to cases of leukemia and lymphoma. Therefore, taking advantage of a range of publicly available genomes for wild and captive koalas, the study of different types of structural variants is not only interesting but crucial for better management and conservation of wild and captive koalas.

The position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in data management, bioinformatics, and genetics.

Task

Characterization of structural variants using short and long-read sequencing data for more than 400 wild koalas.

Requirements

• Enrollment at a German university (Master) in bioinformatics, computer sciences, genetics, biology, or comparable course of study.
• Very good coding skills (e.g., Python, R, Julia);
• Basic knowledge of Linux systems (Bash);
• Basic knowledge of statistics;
• Interest in genetics;
• Interest in nature conservation topics;
• High motivation, flexibility and ability to work in an international team;
• Good command of English and German, both written and spoken.

The master’s thesis can be started in March 2026 and is initially limited until 31 Aug 2026. An extension would be possible, taking into account the respective study and examination regulations. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any remuneration.

Enquiries or questions should be directed to the supervisor of the master thesis Dr. Guilherme Neumann by e‑mail

We welcome applications regardless of gender, origin, sexual orientation and religion. Disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in case of equal suitability. The IZW lives the principles enshrined by the German “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt), has a diversity and inclusion strategy, is “Total-E-Quality” certified, promotes equality and actively supports a work‑life balance. We promote diversity, so please convince us with your quality and competence.

Apply

Applications received by January 31st, 2026 will be considered in any case. Then please apply and submit your complete and informative application via our recruitment platform at Letter of motivation highlighting particular skills for this position, indication of the desired period for thesis, CV, all relevant certificates, current certificate of enrolment, proof of writing the thesis in accordance with the study and examination regulations of your university.

We are looking forward to your application!