Postdoc in Ancient Environmental Genomics - University of Copenhagen
We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year part-time position to commence from 1st January 2026 at Centre for Ancient Environmental Genomics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen.
The candidate will be working on different ancient environmental DNA projects associated with the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS) covering sample collection, wet-lab, and bioinformatics. The candidate will be in a position connecting the initiatives of different AEGIS partners.
Information on the department can be found at https://globe.ku.dk.
Our research
The Centre for Ancient Environmental Genomics aims to employ ancient environmental genomics to enhance our understanding of ecological and evolutionary phenomena over extensive spans of space and time. The AEGIS aims to develop the essential science and methodology to use ancient eDNA – coupled with other ancient and modern biomolecule-based approaches – to identify important organismal associations and genetic adaptations in natural and agro-ecosystems that will improve future food security under climate change.
We have an international and interdisciplinary team with extensive global networks, with state-of-the-art wet-lab and informatic infrastructures supporting the research activities.
Your job
Your tasks would be leading and driving research projects associated with AEGIS, specifically on recovering and analysing ancient rice DNA from sediments collected across the world. We strive for expertise to cover the full process of ancient environmental genomic research line, from field work sample collections and chronology reconstructions, to sequencing data generation and genomic and genetic analysis.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Essential experience and skills:
- You have a PhD in ancient DNA, genomics and bioinformatics.
- You are highly experienced in ancient metagenomics, population genetics, and molecular ecology.
- You have an active interest in developing and applying ancient genomics.
- Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
- Excellent English skills written and spoken
Desirable experience and skills:
- Experience/knowledge in/of ancient eDNA wet-lab and bioinformatic method developments
- Experience/knowledge in/of in genome assembly and annotations, and management of large scale reference genome databases.
Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Section for GeoGenetics, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 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: http://www.globe.ku.dk/.
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 5 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years.
The starting date is on 1st January 2026.
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 (corresponding to full time) starts at 38,733 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 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 Kurt H. Kjær; kurt.kkelseycampbellflynnedward@turner-webster.dksund.ku.dkhuffman.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:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- 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.
- List of publications.
Deadline for applications: 2 October 2025****, 23.59 pm 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 http://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.