Postdoc in Population Genomics

at the Villum Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity, Globe Institute,
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic person for a 2 ½ -year position as postdoc at the Villum Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity at the GLOBE Institute to commence after October 2025.

The position will be based at the Globe Institute. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic and applied 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 www.globe.ku.dk.

The research will be conducted at the Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity, a Villum Center of excellence led by Professor Carsten Rahbek. The center comprises 20 scientific staff, technicians and students focused on understanding how mountains shape the distribution and diversity of life on Earth, with particular attention to tropical mountain biodiversity. The Center works end-to-end. Inspired by natural history knowledge, we engage in rigorous fieldwork around the world to build and improve an assemblage of biological data sets on species’ distributions and traits. We use a range of tools from novel macroecological process-based and null models to cutting-edge DNA and genomic techniques.  This holistic approach strengthens our ability to address fundamental questions about the distribution and diversity of life on Earth. For an overview of our macroecological mountain research, two review papers by Rahbek et al. published in Science in 2019 offer a useful introduction to the background and scope of our work on global mountain biodiversity.

The Villum Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity is housed within the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate (CMEC; www.macroecology.ku.dk) and the Section for Biodiversity at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. CMEC is a leading center of excellence with a cross-disciplinary research program addressing fundamental questions on the origin, maintenance, conservation and future of life and biological diversity on Earth. Our team of 40+ researchers—representing over 14 nationalities—juxtaposes faculty staff scientists from the fields of macroecology, historical biogeography, oceanography, evolutionary biology, community ecology, population biology, climate change research, conservation biology and environmental economics.

We prioritize teamwork and close collaboration—both within the Center and across our global research network. Our group culture is supportive, inclusive, and driven by mutual respect, where diverse skills and experiences are valued. We are committed to fostering not only scientific excellence, but also professional growth and career development at every stage

Job description
We are offering a 2½ year postdoc position with Professor Carsten Rahbek.  In collaboration also with Assoc. Prof Rute Andreia Rodrigues da Fonseca, Assoc Prof. Peter Hosner and Assist Prof Anna Brüniche-Olsen, you will work with whole genome data to understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of two aspects: 1) how species with current small populations and limited geographical ranges have been impacted by climate changes through glacial and interglacial periods during the Quaternary period and since the last glaciation period (with additional impact of humans), and 2) how species with very small population sizes persist at extremely low densities for centuries to perhaps 10,000s of years. According to conventional knowledge, long-term persistence at species with extremely low population sizes with apparently very little geneflow should not be likely due to stochastic factors.

Your job
This position will mainly focus on Andean birds, especially those of high altitudinal Polylepis forest of the Andes but could also be expanded to other genomic data sets. Polylepis forests are today characterized by isolated fragments distributed mainly from Ecuador through Peru to Bolivia. However, evidence from pollen records indicates that these forests were much more widespread and continuous in the past, and they have likely fluctuated noticeably with periods of glaciation. Applicants are expected to engage in ongoing research projects using the center’s data/resources and to contribute to further development of new projects. For the Andes, we currently have whole genome sequencing data from 700 specimens of 24 bird species inhabiting Polylepis forests. Additionally, for all the bird species we have high quality, curated distributions at ¼ degree spatial resolution, trait data, phylogenies, and genomic data for >5000 bird species (being part of the B10k program aiming at sequencing all bird species in the world) and associated data on the worlds mountain regions, geological data, land-use data and climate data for the past 800,000 years.

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

Essential experience and skills.

We seek an internationally competitive candidate with:

• A PhD in biology or related field.
• Strong background in community/macroecological research.
• Proven publication record in respected international peer-reviewed journals.
• Documented strong analytical skills, incl. bioinformatics, and experience with large-scale datasets.
• Experience in processing next-generation sequencing data of non-model vertebrate organisms, including application of this data to population genetics and comparative genomics.
• Proficiency in programming in open-source languages such as R, Julia, or Python.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in teams and in a cross-disciplinary research center.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Strong natural history knowledge.
• Experience conducting field work.
• Experience in teaching and supervision of undergraduate and MSc students.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Villum Center for Global Mountain Biodiversity located at Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen K, Denmark.

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 position is limited to a period of 2 ½ years. The starting date is flexible, but preferably October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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 38,734 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (May 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % 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 Professor Carsten Rahbek, crahbek@sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: https://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) with two attachment all in the same pdf-file: a) a description of previous research experience relevant to the position (max. one page), b) outline of a research idea relevant for this position (used only for evaluation of applicants).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (see above).
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 in peer reviewed journals.
5. Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of three professional references (these will only be contacted after a potential interview).

Deadline for applications: 31 July 23.59 CEST.

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/

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.