Research Assistant for ancient molecular research at GLOBE Institute

We are offering a Research Assistant position in ancient molecular research commencing 1 March 2022 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position is part of a VILLUM Fonden Experiment project awarded to Associate Professor Frido Welker to investigate starvation and hibernation of humans, archaic hominins, and fauna in the past.

Our group and research
The Biomolecular Palaeoanthropology group within the Section for Evolutionary is a recently established research group at the GLOBE Institute. We study human evolution across the last 1 million years, addressing questions of relevance at the intersection of biology, palaeoanthropology, and archaeology. In particular, we have strong interests in 1) understanding the phylogenetic and population genetics relationships between past hominins within this period, 2) exploring behavioural information contained within the hominin and fauna fossil record, and 3) obtaining physiological and life history data via the molecular analysis of skeletal tissues. We develop and utilize a range of biomolecular methods and bioinformatics approaches. The group is composed of people with a range of backgrounds across the life sciences, palaeoanthropology, and archaeology. Further information on the institute and the research group can be found at https://globe.ku.dk/research/evogenomics/welker-group/ .

Project description
Hibernation is a metabolic mechanism by which warm-blooded mammals increase their ability to survive periods of extreme dietary and/or thermoregulatory stress. In this project, we wil investigate the molecular consequences of this behaviour via the analysis of skeletal tissues in a range of mammalian tissues and species. By building a comparative framework utilizing a multi-omics approach (proteins, lipids, small molecules) on recent specimens, we will then begin to study hibernation in Pleistocene hominins and associated mammalian fauna. The project involves collaborators in Europe and beyond and has a strong multi-omics component.

Start:                  1 March 2022
Duration:          Two years

Your job
The main responsibilities will consist of:

• Sample preparation for (ancient) protein, lipid and small molecule extraction.
• Molecular extraction of (ancient) proteomes, lipidomes, and small molecules.
• Bioinformatics analysis of resulting datasets.
• Training of new group members and guest visitors and curating internal sample databases.

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

• A MSc or similar in biochemistry, molecular biology, archaeological sciences or a similar discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Experience in the analysis of proteins, lipids and/or small molecules.
• Experience with the use of bioinformatics analysis of omics data.
• Good communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a multi-disciplinary research team.
• A curious mind-set with a strong interest in combining molecular analysis within human evolutionary research.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with ancient biomolecular analysis.
• Knowledge of skeletal biology, odontogenesis or osteogenesis.
• Handling of fossil and/or archaeological material.

We value creativity in science.
Place of employment
The place of employment is at GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include laboratories dedicated to the analysis of ancient and modern biomolecules, as well as access to relevant computing resources.

Terms of employment
The employment as research assistant is a full-time position for 2 years, starting 1 March 2022. Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts
at 29,942.16 DKK/month (4,024.31 EUR) (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.
The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of December 2019.

Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Frido Welker ([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:

1. Motivation letter (max. one page);

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position, as well as the names and contact details of 2 referees;

3. Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a research assistant employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database . Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science

4. List of publications, if applicable.

Application deadline: 2 January 2022, 23.59pm 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 3, 2022.

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.