STAFF SCIENTIST (AC-TAP) IN PALEOPALYNOLOGY AT GLOBE INSTITUTE

We invite applications for the position of Staff Scientist (AC-TAP) in Paleopalynology. This role is funded for four years, commencing on 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position will be based at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. Information on the department can be found at: www.globe.ku.dk.

Our research
The successful candidate will join the Conservation Palaeogenetics & Palaeoecology Group at the Section for GeoGenetics, led by Assistant Professor Ana Prohaska. We work at the interface of palaeoecology, ancient genetics, evolutionary biology, and conservation science to understand how species and ecosystems responded to past environmental change and how this understanding can inform conservation decision-making today. Our focus is on identifying and, where possible, recovering genetic diversity relevant to preserving Earth’s contemporary biodiversity into the future. For more information about the group and our research, please see: globe.ku.dk/research/geogenetics/prohaska-group.

Your work will be embedded within the newly awarded Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This interdisciplinary research initiative aims to build a more sustainable and secure food production system while also preserving biodiversity in cropping systems under climate change. Its approach is to produce new knowledge and develop innovative methodologies in ancient environmental DNA to identify important organismal associations and genetic adaptations relevant to future food security. The initiative brings together a large international network of researchers with expertise in genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, plant sciences, computer science, statistics, geology, archaeology, and more.

Your Position
The successful candidate will join an exciting new research programme within the AEGIS aimed at advancing the recovery and analysis of ancient pollen DNA using state-of-the-art single-cell sorting and sequencing technologies. The main objective of this programme is to develop and employ a high-throughput pipeline for reconstructing ancient plant genomes, which will be applicable to a wide range of plant species worldwide. The selected candidate will contribute to and support (1) the wet lab workflow for sequencing bulk and single pollen DNA in a clean lab setting, and (2) its application to fossil pollen records from various depositional settings, as part of AEGIS.

The tasks include but are not limited to: 
●    Identification, counting, and handling of pollen and spores from a variety of sediment samples, and preparation of sediment samples for palynological analysis.
●    Responsibility for the daily operation and logistics of the instrumentation for semi-automated pollen isolation and handling.
●    Responsibility for preparing pollen samples for extraction and preparation of sequencing libraries and coordinating their submission to other laboratory workflows. 
●    Participation in the development and implementation of protocols for fossil pollen DNA extraction, preparation of sequencing libraries.
●    Technical support in planning and troubleshooting of the wet lab workflow for the processing of ancient pollen DNA samples. 
●    Participation in the establishment of the bioinformatic pipeline for the analysis of ancient pollen DNA data.
●    Participation in the scientific activities of the group and the initiative.
●    Keeping up to date with technological developments.
●    Work in close collaboration with other scientific staff and academics at the section.

Advisor will be Assistant Professor Ana Prohaska.

Your Profile
We are looking for a trained palynologist with the following competencies and experience.

Essential qualifications and skills
●    PhD or MSc degree in (paleo)ecology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, or a related field. Please note that your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (two years).
●    Extensive experience in palynological analysis.
●    A genuine interest in developing and advancing lab methodologies and protocols.
●    Self-motivation, pragmatic mindset, strong work ethics, and good interpersonal skills.
●    Ability to organise time and work effectively and responsibly, independently and in teams.
●    Strong attention to detail with demonstrated skills in troubleshooting.
●    Fluency in both written and spoken English (due to the institute's international profile).

Desirable experience and skills
●    Knowledge of ancient DNA laboratory techniques.
●    Knowledge of single-cell laboratory techniques.
●    Experience in molecular biology methods. 
●    Experience with statistical data analysis.

Place of employment
The place of work is at the Section for GeoGenetics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer supportive, creative, and stimulating working conditions within a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include a LEAF GOLD certified molecular lab, designed for generating genomic-scale datasets from both modern and ancient specimens, complemented by high-capacity computational servers adept at handling such data.

Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive (https://globe.ku.dk/about/diversity-programme/). 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 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 4 years. The starting date is 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Employment will be in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The monthly salary will be based on the number of years of work experience (seniority) with the possibility to negotiate a salary supplement based on prior experiences and qualifications. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Ana Prohaska; anaprohaska@sund.ku.dk 

Application
Your application should in English include:

●    Letter of application addressing the requirements (max. one page).
●    Curriculum Vitae
●    A certified/signed copy of certificate(s) of education

Please submit your application by clicking on “Apply Now” below. Only online applications will be accepted.

Deadline for applications: 6 January 2025, 23.59pm CET.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is in the process of implementing a new joint administrative organisation, which comes into force on 1. March 2025. For more information, please contact the contact person for this position Ana Prohaska, anaprohaska@sund.ku.dk. You can also read more here.