Postdocs in Section for molecular ecology and evolution at Globe Institute

Postdocs in Section for molecular ecology and evolution at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Are you interested in learning about your inner Neanderthal and Denisova? Are you passionate about understanding human history? Then this Postdoc is for you!

We are looking for two highly motivated and dynamic postdocs for 2 positions each with duration of 2 years, to commence 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible afterwards. The positions is part of a Novo Nordisk funded project which aims to understand the impact of Neanderthals and Denisovan DNA which survives in modern human genomes and how this DNA can inform us about Neanderthal and Denisovan population history. The position is based in a research center composed of evolutionary and molecular biologists, palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists with a fascination for human evolution research.

Information on the department can be found at https://globe.ku.dk.

Our research
Laurits Skov’s research group studies the history of humans such as ourselves (homo sapiens), Neanderthals and Denisovans. While Neanderthals and Denisovans are now extinct part of their DNA still lives on in our genomes due to introgression. By reconstructing the genomes of these extinct archaic humans, we can answer questions such as: How many archaic humans contributed to our genomes? How many times did we encounter them and how long did we coexist? When did they go extinct? How do their genes affect us today? Are there parts of our genomes that are uniquely human?

Laurits Skov’s research group seeks to answer these questions through an interdisciplinary approach using computational method development, population genetics and archaeology.

Your job
Your task will be to develop new computational methods to study archaic introgression and applying them to the largest dataset of present-day human genomes available (>1.1 million people). The goal is to establish how many archaic human groups contributed to our genomes. Your task is to infer key parameters of the archaic human evolutionary history such as mutation rate, generation time, admixture history with other archaic humans, historic population size and selective forces which shaped their genome. You will investigate how many times they encountered modern humans, how long they coexisted with modern humans and where they interacted with modern humans. Further since many biobanks how medical records associated with them this project provides a unique opportunity to study the effect of archaic introgression on human health and phenotypes.

Profile
We are looking for two highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

- You have, or will soon have, a PhD in population genomics, archaeogenetics, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics or a related field.

- You are experienced in writing computer code (preferably python, R or similar)

- You have experience working with computational data analysis for large datasets

- The ability to address novel research questions in a creative manner.

- You have an active interest in human evolution and human population history.

- 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 the writing of computational pipelines, including working on an HPC cluster.

- Knowledge of population genetics.

- A background and interest in human population history

- You have an excellent scientific track-record, including publication(s) in high-quality, peer-reviewed international journals.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Section for molecular ecology and evolution, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 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. Researchers that have not been tax liable in Denmark for the last 10 years can apply for a special (reduced) tax scheme. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

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

The positions are fixed-termed positions limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1st of April 2025 or as soon as possible afterwards.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,000 DKK/approx. 5,000 EUR (April 2024 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 Laurits Skov at lauritsskov@sund.ku.dk

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. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. 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 will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 13 January 2025, 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.

 

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