Postdoc in Population Genomics focused on Greenlandic land mammals

Project

The postdoc will be working on an exciting population genomics project about Greenlandic land mammals, including arctic fox, caribou, arctic hare, wolves, and lemmings. She/he will have the opportunity to analyse several whole genome datasets, which will be ready to be analysed from day 1. You can read about the project here: https://www.carlsbergfondet.dk/det-har-vi-stoettet/cf20-0539/. It is a collaboration with The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources among others.

Research environment

Ida Moltke’s research group focuses on two research areas - population genomics and medical genomics and combinations of the two. By developing and applying computational methods to genetic data, it aims to identify genetic variants that play a role in different diseases and traits. And more importantly for this postdoc position it aims to gain insights into how different populations have genetically adapted to the different environments/conditions they are exposed to (see e.g. Fumagalli*, Moltke* et al. 2015, Santander & Moltke 2024) and how they are affected by their demographic history (e.g. Pedersen et al. 2017, Quinn et al. 2023, Liu et al. 2024, Balboa et al., 2024, and Bertola et al. 2024). For more information see https://idamoltke.wordpress.com.

The research group currently consists of 1 PhD student and 3 postdocs and has a joint lab environment with 3 other research groups (the groups of Hans Siegismund, Anders Albrechtsen, and Rasmus Heller) with similar interests and complementing skills. This lab environment includes joint weekly lab meetings, shared offices and lots of collaborative projects. Additionally, Ida Moltke’s research group has well-established collaborations with several other research groups both nationally (e.g. at the Globe Institute and The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research), and internationally (e.g. UC Berkeley and UCL).

The university and the city

University of Copenhagen is a highly ranked university (see e.g. https://about.ku.dk/facts-figures/rankings/) and the research group is located in the Biocenter (https://www.biocenter.ku.dk/) in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Importantly, Copenhagen is considered among the most liveable cities in the world (see e.g. here and here) and is really easy to get to, from and around.

Qualifications 

To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in population genetics/genomics, bioinformatics or a similar quantitative field. In addition to this formal requirement, we are looking for a candidate that

• is highly motivated
• has a strong interest - and ideally a strong background - in population genomics
• has the ability to program in at least one common programming language (e.g. C/C++, python or R) and experience in working with linux/unix and command lines
• has experience in working with genetic data, ideally with high-throughput whole genome DNA sequencing data
• is able to conduct and complete high-quality research both independently, and in collaboration with the PI and project partners
• is able to communicate scientific results effectively, both in writing and verbally
• has published high-quality international peer-reviewed articles
• has good interpersonal and communication skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Practical information

The postdoc’s duties will include research within population genomics as well as teaching. Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to ida@bio.ku.dk.

The position is a 2-year position which is open from 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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 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.

Application

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

Please include 

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans - i.e. a cover letter expressing the motivation for applying and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadling for applications is 27 September 2024, 23:56 GMT +2.

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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.