Assistant professor/Postdoctoral researcher in ancient human genomics at the Globe Institute

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Assistant professor/Postdoctoral researcher specializing in ancient human genomics to join the Schroeder group in the Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. The position is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant AlpGen and is limited to 3 years, commencing 1 November 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About us
The Globe Institute is based at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and its main purpose is to address basic scientific questions relating to the origin, evolution, and nature of the universe, our planet, and all life on earth. The Schroeder group is part of the Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution at the Globe Institute and works at the intersection of archaeology, ancient genomics, and microbial ecology.

For more information about the department, click here .

The project
The AlpGen project aims to explore the population history of the lake settlements that existed in and around the Alps from around 4,000 to 600 BCE. The Alpine Lake settlements, with their spectacularly preserved wooden and other organic artefacts, represent some of the most important archaeological archives of human prehistory. The AlpGen project will shed new light on these communities using cutting-edge biomolecular methods, including ancient DNA and ancient protein analyses.
The project is led by Dr. Hannes Schroeder and will run from 2022-2027.

Your job
You will join a multi-disciplinary research team as part of the AlpGen ERC Consolidator Project. Your main task will be to help generate and analyse ancient human genome-wide data from archaeological samples from lake dwellings in and around the Alps in order to address long-standing research questions regarding the demographic history of the region and its connections to wider prehistoric Europe.

Other tasks will include:

• collecting, registering, and documenting samples prior to analysis
• updating and optimizing existing laboratory protocols
• collating archaeological datasets from the circum-Alpine region
• research-based teaching
• mentoring and supervising students
• dissemination of research results through publications and other activities.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of: 

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in molecular biology or a related discipline
• You have at least 24 months experience generating and analysing ancient genomic data
• You have an active interest in the archaeology of prehistoric Europe
• You have an ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• You have effective communication skills and proficiency in English, written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills:

• First-author publications in ancient genomics
• Previous experience with public engagement and science communication
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment and our research facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and ancient DNA facilities.

Terms of employment
The employment is a full time (37 working hours per week in average), fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is 1 November 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 35,600 / approx. EUR 4,790 (April 2022-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Hannes Schroeder; e-mail: [email protected] .

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Application deadline: Tuesday 6 September 2022, 23.59 p.m. 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.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ . 

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 38.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 8,000 students, 1,790 PhD students and 5,100 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

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.