Staff Scientist (AC-TAP) to plan and execute a multi-year curatorial project at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent staff scientist to support our efforts in documenting, preserving and curating the rock sample collection from the Isua Supracrustal belt to commence on 1 June 2026.

Our research
The project is grounded in decades of research on the 3.8-billion-year-old Isua Supracrustal Belt in West Greenland, which preserves the oldest known record of Earth’s surface environments and earliest evidence of life. Through extensive international fieldwork, a unique collection of rock samples has been assembled that underpins key scientific insights into early life, continental formation, and the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. However, much of this material remains uncatalogued and inaccessible. The proposed research infrastructure effort aims to systematically curate, document, and digitally integrate these samples with their original field data, maps, and emerging 3D models, thereby safeguarding a globally significant geological archive and enabling continued and future research into the earliest history of the Earth.

Your job
You will join a multi-disciplinary research team in the Section of Geobiology studying interactions between Earth’s lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, as expressed in the geologic record and in extant environments.

Your tasks involve:

• systematically organizing and securing a unique geological sample collection by first mapping existing storage locations and creating an overview of all samples.
• establishing a digital database structure and reviewing original field logs and documentation to recover essential metadata.
• physically relocating and properly storing the samples, as well as photographing and registering them—prioritizing those used in published research before completing the full collection.
• Supporting the integration af the database with geospatial data, maps, and 3D models, and
• documenting and providing a long-term maintenance plan to ensure continued findability and accessibility for research and dissemination.

You will be expected to contribute to and support the ongoing research projects in the group on an ad hoc basis.

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

• Geological Expertise – Petrology, deep understanding of Archean geology, early Earth environments, and sedimentary processes, particularly in relation to the Isua Supracrustal belt.
• Sample Curation & Preservation – Proven ability to organize, catalog, and preserve geological samples, ensuring long-term findability and accessibility of rock sample collections for research and teaching.
• Digital Archiving & Database Management – Experience with designing and maintaining databases for scientific collections, including metadata capture, provenance documentation, and integration with GIS and 3D modeling tools.
• Fieldwork & Sample Collection – Hands-on experience in remote, logistically challenging environments, including planning and conducting field campaigns, sample logging, and mapping.
• Data Integration & Visualization – Skills in linking physical collections to digital platforms, photogrammetric models, geospatial datasets, and visualization tools for research, teaching, and outreach.
• Project Management – Ability to plan and execute multi-year curatorial projects, coordinate milestones, procure equipment, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail & Quality Control – Meticulous in handling high-value, irreplaceable samples, ensuring accurate recording of metadata, photographic documentation, and compliance with scientific standards.

Interpersonal & Professional Skills

• Collaboration with international research teams
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Section for Geobiology, Globe Institute, Oester Voldgade 5-7, DK-1350 Copenhagen K.

About Globe Institute
The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: https://www.globe.ku.dk/.

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1 June 2026

Employment will be in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation 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 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Head of Section, Tue Hassenkam: tue.hassenkam@sund.ku.dk

Application
Your application should in Danish 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: 29/4 2026, 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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 19.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.