211-2052/25-2H: PhD fellowship in population genetics
PhD fellowship in population genetics
PhD Project in population genetics of the spiral horned antelopes
Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen
Section for Computational and RNA Biology at the Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in population genetics of the spiral horned antelopes. The project is part of the research project “1000 African Mammal Genomes: Big Data to Learn from Large Animals” , which is financed by the Carlsberg Foundation.
Start date is (expected to be) April 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
The student will be analysing whole-genome sequencing data from spiral-horned antelopes, with the aim of identifying gene flow, population structure and demographic history. The work will include quality controlling of the raw sequencing data, bioinformatics and filtering of data, application of state-of-the-art population genetic analysis methods, development on new methods for inferring gene flow and admixture.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of wildlife population genetics. The applicant must have previous experience working with whole-genome sequencing data from non-model animals, preferably from African mammals. Applicants can have a background from Bioinformatics, and must have proven experience with population genetic method development and data analysis.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The position will be shared between the groups of Associate Professor Rasmus Heller (RH) and Professor Anders Albrechtsen. RHs group consists of 6 group members and works on using population genetic methods to infer evolutionary processes in wildlife species. AAs group consists of 6 group members and works on statistical and medical genomics in humans and animals. These two groups collaborate on many projects, and furthermore collaborates with other research groups in the larger Statistical and Population Genetics cluster (www.popgen.dk), consisting of four PIs. The hosting groups have a strong national and international network of collaborators.
The hosting groups are a part of Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art computational infrastructure.
- Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Rasmus Heller, Department of Biology, Email: rheller@bio.ku.dk, mobile phone: 29299227.
The PhD programme
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. Bioinformatics. 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.
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.
Responsibilities and tasks
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- A Master degree in Bioinformatics
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Proficiency in Python and R
- Experience in developing population genetic models
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in population genetics of wild animals
- Good language skills
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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)
- Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science 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 (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:The deadline for applications is Sunday 26 January 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.
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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are 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 and, if so, for which of the two models. 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 or 7/2025.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
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.