PhD fellowship in Genomics - PhD Project in Vertebrate Comparative Genomics
The Natural History Museum Denmark invites applicants for a 3-year PhD fellowship in comparative genomics studying the genomic basis of miniaturisation in vertebrates. The project is part of the research project GEMINI, which is funded by an ERC Starting Grant to PI Assoc. Prof. Mark D. Scherz.
Starting date is expected to be April 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
This project is seeking to elucidate the genomic underpinnings and consequences of miniaturisation in vertebrates. By harnessing high-quality genome resources, the project will seek to answer questions including "What happens in the genomes of vertebrates undergoing miniaturisation" and "To what extent are changes in the genome of miniaturised vertebrates deterministic consequences of size reduction".
Your task will be to generate (with a mixture of labwork and bioinformatics) reference-quality genomes of miniaturised and related non-miniaturised vertebrates. The goal is to create an analytical framework on which we can test key hypotheses. You will help in the generation of the whole genome alignments, and investigate a number of hypotheses as part of the project.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of comparative genomics and evolution. Applicants can have a background from bioinformatics, comparative genomics, evolutionary biology, computational biology, or a related field.
The ideal candidate should
- be familiar with coding bioinformatic pipelines
- have good command of at least one of the following coding languages: R, bash, python, perl
- have some experience of molecular laboratory work
- be both flexible and reliable, and eager to learn new skills
- be collaborative and communicative
- have good written and oral skills in English.
- Familiarity with zoology is desirable but not essential.
The Scherz Lab
One of the key focus areas of Mark D. Scherz’s lab is the evolution of miniaturisation in vertebrates. We seek to answer fundamental questions, such as "what is the lower limit for the vertebrate bauplan" and "what kind of modifications are necessitated by extreme size reduction of vertebrate anatomy" to get at the core question of the role of extreme body size shift in generating novelty and innovation.
Other topics we are working on in the group include museomics (sequencing DNA from archival material), systematics and taxonomy, and macroevolution of skeletal and gross anatomy. You can read more about the work we are doing at www.markscherz.com/lab.
The group is a part of the Natural History Museum Denmark, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen, with office space at the Sølvgade complex at Øster Farimagsgade 2, 1353 København K, beside the botanical garden in the centre of the city.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include museomics laboratories and advanced microscope and imaging labs among other facilities, 14 million natural history collections within geology, botany and zoology, and a botanical garden with living scientific plant collections.
Principal supervisor is Associate Professor & Curator of Herpetology Dr. rer. nat. Mark D. Scherz, Natural History Museum Denmark, mark.scherz@snm.ku.dk
The PhD programme
The PhD programme of the Faculty of Science is a three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme).
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biology with a component of genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant (together with the supervisor).
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at 30,800 DKK/approximately 4,125 EUR (April 2025 level) plus pension. For more information, including courses PhD students can/must take, see the PhD School website.
Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes
- Carry out an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / 1/2 FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers for peer-reviewed journals
- Present the project at international conferences
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
Important assessment criteria include:
- The grade point average achieved at MSc and BSc level
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Experience in publishing scientific papers
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in vertebrate evolution, genomics, and related subjects
- English language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list with text outlines about your contributions to the respective publications (if available)
- Reference letters (up to two, if available)
The deadline for applications is 4 January 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.
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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You will be notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified for the 5+3 model as described above. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 6 2026.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Associate Professor Mark D. Scherz, mark.scherz@snm.ku.dk. Please put “Comparative Genomics PhD position inquiry” in the subject of the e-mail.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.