Professor of Archaeogenomics, Globe Institute

Professor of Archaeogenomics, Globe Institute,

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

 

The University of Copenhagen seeks to appoint a Professor of Archaeogenomics at the Globe Institute to commence as soon as possible.

As part of Globe’s strategic focus on interdisciplinary approaches to the human past, we seek to appoint a professor who will strengthen and further develop research and teaching in archaeogenomics and related fields. The position centres on the study of ancient human DNA and its integration with archaeological research, with particular emphasis on understanding long-term population dynamics, mobility, interaction, and social processes in past societies.

Job description

When considering applications for the professorship, emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s ability to document a high level of original, internationally recognized research in archaeogenomics, with a strong interdisciplinary profile linking ancient DNA research to broader archaeological questions and contexts.

The successful candidate is expected to have a strong foundation in the generation, analysis, and interpretation of ancient human genomic data, and a demonstrated ability to situate such data within archaeological, historical, and environmental frameworks. Furthermore, expertise in other relevant biomolecular and archaeological science methods is welcome, but not a necessity.

The candidate’s research should engage substantively with archaeological materials and contexts and demonstrate the capacity to develop integrative frameworks that combine genomic evidence with material culture, chronology, and other relevant lines of evidence. A clear vision for how ancient DNA can contribute to central debates in archaeology and the study of human history will be considered essential.

In addition to research, the successful applicant will be expected to contribute actively to the development of Globe’s research and teaching environment, including leadership at both the section and institute level.

The professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Conducting and publishing original international research in archaeogenomics and related fields
• Developing and leading interdisciplinary research programmes integrating ancient genomics, isotopes, radiocarbon dating, and archaeology
• Securing competitive external research funding
• Research-based teaching, including course leadership at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels
• Supervision and mentoring of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
• Participating in academic assessment, committee work, and institutional governance
• Contributing to strategic development at the section and institute level
• Building bridges across disciplinary boundaries within the University by supporting the growth of the new School of Archaeology (https://archaeology.ku.dk/)
• Building partnerships beyond the University, fostering collaboration between the natural sciences, humanities, and health sciences.
• Engaging with the scientific community in Denmark in particular, via the Museums, where knowledge of Danish is an advantage
• Knowledge exchange and public engagement, including communication of research to broader audiences
• Strengthening existing and establishing new collaborations with museums, archaeological institutions, and heritage agencies

Required qualifications

To be qualified for a professor position, you will be assessed according to these five overall criteria for recognising merit at the University of Copenhagen: Research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, and leadership. Find information about each criterion.

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

The successful applicant must hold a PhD or similar in archaeological science, archaeogenomics, bioarchaeology, or a closely related discipline.

Furthermore, the applicant must be able to document:

• A high degree of original academic production at an international level, making substantial contributions to archaeogenomics and related sciences.
• Experience with academic leadership and management of interdisciplinary research projects.
• Significant contributions to university teaching and curriculum development.
• Active engagement in academic service and institutional governance.
• Demonstrated societal impact through collaboration with archaeological stakeholders and public outreach.

The professor is also required to possess good interpersonal and communicative skills.

Additional qualifications

The successful applicant should be able to document:

• An outstanding publication record in using genomics in an archaeological context, and/or bioarchaeology.
• Extensive experience with integrating and utilizing ancient biomolecules in an archaeological context on a high international level.
• Proven ability to develop, coordinate, and lead university-level courses in biomolecular archaeology and related sciences at undergraduate and graduate level.
• Substantial experience in supervising and mentoring students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Existing current external funding for research activities and a documented track record of attracting independent and competitive external research funding at national and international level. The ability to secure external funding for own salary will be considered an advantage.
• Experience in establishing productive collaborations with museums, archaeological institutions, and heritage agencies in Denmark and beyond.
• An experienced record of communicating research results to the public through exhibitions, lectures, media engagement, and outreach activities.

The candidate must also demonstrate strong academic leadership, organisational skills, and collaborative abilities.

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. 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.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://healthsciences.ku.dk/.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is a permanent full-time appointment. The average weekly working hours are 37 hours.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Questions

For further information, please contact Head of Department Professor Anders Johannes Hansen (ajhansen@sund.ku.dk).

Foreign applicants may find the University’s International Staff Mobility useful.

Application

Applications must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Application, including motivation for applying for this position (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae, including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD and other relevant certificates)
• A complete list of publications
• Research plan (3-5 pages)
• Uploads of maximum 10 publications to be considered in the assessment
• Teaching plan
• Teaching portfolio (Guidelines)

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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 the University's Job Portal.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

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 encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments. Only online applications will be accepted.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, 29 June 2026

Interviews for this position are likely to be held on 20 November 2026.