Academic Employee to Support the ArcHives project at GLOBE

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent academic employee to support our efforts in the study of ancient beeswax to commence 1 December 2021 until the end of the ArcHives project 30 September 2023.

Our research
The ArcHives project seeks to evaluate and demonstrate the potential that beeswax holds as an archive of biomolecular data. Through the development of novel extraction and library preparation techniques, and the application of a multi-omics data analysis strategy we aim to uncover the breadth of biomolecular stored in different forms of modern and ancient beeswax samples.
The successful candidate will be part of the GLOBE Institute’s paleoproteomics group. The group is inclusive, has a collaborative mind-set and spans many nationalities. The day-to-day language is English.

The ArcHives project currently consists of two PostDocs and one PhD. The project includes a number of collaborators from different scientific disciplines within the natural sciences and the humanities.
The GLOBE Institute’s main purpose is to address scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of natural sciences, medical sciences and the humanities.
Our group explores the survival of ancient biomolecules in historical and archaeological samples. We attempt to understand how and why my proteins decay, how they can be allied with DNA and lipids to provide new information which can aid in the understanding of major questions of human and environmental history.

Your job
You will join a multi-disciplinary research team to support the ArcHives project. You will assist with the following tasks;

Mediaeval wax samples

• Screening medieval wax sample tools for the presence of informative DNA.
• Genomic DNA library preparation for high throughput sequencing.
• If proteomics proves successful, applying protein based method on mediaeval wax samples.

Bee samples

• Generate DNA (and protein?) data from historical bees (bee and wax specimens)

Method Development/Application

• Supporting in the application of revised methods for single strand DNA library preparation to avoid adapter dimer and amplification bias.
• Analysis of library amplification methods to improve data quality (pilot data generated).
• Further development of extraction/purification methods to combine DNA and protein extraction.
• Testing enzyme activity digestion enzymes under various buffer conditions to improve combined extraction of nucleic acids and proteins.

Bioinformatics

• Using bioinformatics pipeline to characterise DNA content of screened wax and bee samples, with the support of an experienced bioinformatician.
• Analysis of datasets generated with different library amplification methods and assess improvement of data quality (pilot data generated).

You will be expected to contribute to and support the ongoing research projects in the group on an ad hoc basis when needed; disseminate your expertise to new lab members and support the lab management.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic academic staff with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills

• You have documented experience in laboratory workflows for DNA and protein analysis.
• You have experience in the generation of DNA libraries for shotgun metagenomics.
• You have an active interest in learning new methods which we can apply to highly degraded ancient samples
• You have proven an ability to envision, plan and execute a research project 
• Good English skills, written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience and knowledge in the analysis of high throughput sequencing data

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the section for EvoGenomics, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and facilities for preparing ancient samples.

Terms of salary and employment
The employment as ‘Academic staff ’ (TAP-FU) is a full time and fixed-term position from 1 december 2021 until the end of the ArcHives project 30 September 2023. Employment will be in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The monthly salary will be based on the number of years of work experience (seniority) with the possibility to negotiate a salary supplement based on prior experiences and qualifications. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Christian Carøe; [email protected].

Application
Your application should in English include:

• Letter of application addressing the requirements (max. one page).
• Curriculum Vitae
• A certified/signed copy of certificate(s) of education

Please submit your application by clicking on “Apply Now” below. Only online applications will be accepted.

Application deadline: 26 September 2021, 23.59 CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.