POSTDOC IN ANCIENT GENOMICS

Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research group in Copenhagen to work on a Carlsberg-funded project on the genomics of ancient "chewing gums". The position is initially for 1 year starting 1 November 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research

Our research focuses primarily on the use of biomolecular and computational methods to study human population histories and the history of human infectious diseases. We work at the intersection of archaeology, human population genetics, and microbial ecology and we use genome-scale data to tackle questions relating to the complex interplay between human demography, adaptation, and infectious disease dynamics that shaped human history. To be able to address these questions, we are continuously developing and applying new methods that aim to optimize the recovery of ancient genomic data while minimizing sample size requirements and we believe that by collaborating with a wide range of experts from different backgrounds, our research will provide new insights into aspects of human history and microbial evolution that are relevant to people today. For more information on the Globe institute and the research group, click here .

Your job

We seek an enthusiastic, motivated individual with a strong background in ancient genomics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. You will be based in Dr. Hannes Schroeder’s research group in the Section for Evolutionary Genomics at the Globe Institute and your work will involve generating genomic data (ancient DNA extraction, library preparation and quality control) from ancient “chewing gums” from archaeological sites in Scandinavia and beyond and the bioinformatic analysis of ancient genomic datasets. The research will be conducted in an international, highly diverse research environment, involving collaborators and partners from various continents and scientific backgrounds.

Profile

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated postdoctoral scientist with the following competencies:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in ancient genomics, archaeological science, molecular biology or a related field.
• You are highly experienced in the extraction and analysis of ancient DNA.
• An excellent scientific track-record, including publication(s) in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals.
• Proficient communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Excellent English language skills.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with optimizing or developing new methods for the extraction of ancient DNA from unusual sample materials.
• Experience in bioinformatics computational genomics.
• An active interest in archaeology and the study of the human past.
• A desire and willingness to work collaboratively and independently.
• A motivation to drive research at the interface of the natural sciences and the humanities.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Section for Evolutionary Genomics at the Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include laboratories dedicated to the analysis of ancient and modern biomolecules, as well as access to computing resources.

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time (37 working hours) and fixed-term position for 1 year. Starting date is 1 November 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34,899 DKK / approx. 4.692 Euro (April 2021 level) plus employer paid pension contribution of 17,1%. Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not been tax liable to Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities”, 2020.

Questions

For further information please contact Dr. Hannes Schroeder at [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:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor must be attached as well.
• List of publications.

Application deadline: 29 August 2021, 23.59 pm 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.

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.