Postdoc in Ancient Plant Genomics

We are offering a postdoctoral fellowship in evolutionary genomics and ancient DNA commencing 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter and for a period of 31 months.

Our group and research

The domestication of plants was a turning point for human history and for the development of agriculture. Studying plant domestication is essential to understand the origin of complex societies and to develop better crops able to adapt to today’s changing environment. In our group, we are interested in understanding the evolutionary processes that shaped plants during domestication. Through population genomics and ancient DNA, we focus on characterising key aspects of plant domestication: demographic history, dispersion trajectories, selection signatures, and plant-microbiome coevolution.

The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the plant palaeogenomics research group led by Assistant Prof. Jazmín Ramos Madrigal within the Globe Institute Section for Hologenomics. This position is funded by the Independent Reserch Fund Denmark.

Project description

The project aims at developing and benchmarking computational methods for the analysis of low-depth of coverage ancient DNA sequencing data from maize and other crops.

Qualifications and key criteria for assessment

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics or a related field, have a strong background in computational biology/bioinformatics and experience in the following:

• Analysing ancient DNA hight-throughput sequencing data
• Carrying through an independent research work.
• Working in an interdisciplinary research group
• Teaching at University level and supervising MSc and BSc students
• Participating in conferences or other types of disemination activities
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken

The candidate should have interest in learning or experience in:

• The study of plant domestication
• Carrying out palaeogenomic laboratory work
• Participating in outreach events or activities
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research within the project’s scope and may also contribute to teaching and supervision within the department.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, Section for Hologenomics (Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350, Copenhagen) Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include state-of-the-art core facilities including dedicated ancient DNA clean labs, modern DNA labs, an automated pipeline for DNA extraction and sequencing, and a constantly-expanding computer cluster.

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/.

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. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families

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

For further information, please contact Assistant Prof. Jazmín Ramos Madrigal (pcamposchristopher81jazminl.madrigal@sund.kucolemanramirezwatkins.dk).

Terms of employment

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 31 months.

The start date is 1 August 2026.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Letter of interest, outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
• Complete publication list

The deadline for applications is 2 March 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on weeks 16 - 17.