2-yr postdoc on population genomics in novel ecosystems

The Department of Biology, Aarhus University invites applications for a 2-year postdoc position on: population genomics in novel ecosystems.

This postdoc project is part of the newly established Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. Overall ECONOVO aims to provide new perspectives on the future of the biosphere - to learn more please visit our website here: ECONOVO - Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere - Aarhus University (au.dk)
 

Starting Date and Period

The position is for two years, and is available from 1 December 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.  

Job description

The main focus of the population genomics work within ECONOVO is to assess possible genetic erosion and climate change adaptability in populations of large mammal grazers. This will allow for assessing viability and adaptive potential for some of the most critical components in novel ecosystems. There is particular focus on comparing systems of feral populations (e.g. horses) with systems of indigenous populations (e.g. caribou). The specific project of the postdoc will focus on climate change adaptability of indigenous species, notably caribou. This involves, among others, landscape genomics and genomic offset analyses.

ECONOVO has strong expertise in extracting environmental and climatic data, e.g. from remote sensing, that will form an integral part of these analyses. Hence, in addition to population genomics work within the Center, the position also encompasses collaboration with ecologists and biologically oriented data scientists. We are open to hearing the candidate’s take on this and would like the postdoc to contribute ideas and concepts to the project. We also emphasize the importance of engaging fully in the center's outreach and educational efforts, while also supporting and encouraging collaborative work with ECONOVO colleagues, including students. This collaboration involves sharing skills and contributing to problem-solving within the postdoc’s area of expertise. 

Your profile

Applicants must have a PhD degree in population genomics or related fields or have submitted their PhD thesis for assessment before the application deadline. Experience with bioinformatics and population genomics analyses, preferably involving work with whole genome sequence data, along with fundamental knowledge of evolutionary biology and population genetics principles is required. We strongly emphasize documented abilities for using high level population genomics skills to address issues in biology and conservation. Applicants should demonstrate effective teamwork skills, a history of publishing internationally recognized work, and fluency in English. International applicants who are not native English speakers should showcase proficient written English and clear articulation.
 

Project PI and collaborators

Professor Jens-Christian Svenning is the PI and Center Leader of ECONOVO, and Professor Michael M. Hansen leads the population genomics activities within the center. The postdoc will join the ECONOVO team within the Sections for Genetic, Ecology and Evolution (GEE) and Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity (ECOINF) at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University. Key international associates to ECONOVO will also be involved. ECONOVO and the associated sections form a cooperative, interdisciplinary research network with extensive international involvement. Postdocs and PhD students are encouraged to collaborate within the group, across departments, and with other universities. 

What we offer

The selected applicant is offered:

• an engaging, ambitious, and friendly research habitat, encouraging open dialogue within and between assorted research disciplines
• a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, network activities among young scientists and social activities
• a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality, and a healthy work-life balance
• access to well-developed research infrastructure
• office space and shared equipment

The working language is English, and we welcome applications from all genders of all backgrounds. Read about the Danish work-life balance, special opportunities for junior researchers, and the services available when relocating to Aarhus University here. 
Life quality and time allocation to personal and family life in Denmark is high, and international investigations usually report that no other nationality score higher in terms of life satisfaction.
 

Place of Work

The place of work is Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Section for Genetics, Ecology and Evolution (GEE) and Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity (ECOINF), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
 

About the Department

The Department of Biology hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. The Department currently employs approximately 140 academic and technical staff and 40 PhD students. The Department hosts BSc and MSc study programs in Biology with about 400 students enrolled as well as a PhD program. The Department offers a vibrant and informal research environment with a long-standing tradition for collaboration with international university partners in the absolute elite. 
 
You can read more about the Department of Biology here.

Aarhus University's campus is situated in a scenic park near the downtown area, which is home to around 300,000 residents. 

Contact Information

Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact Professor Michael Møller Hansen, phone: +4540247191, email: [email protected], or Center Director Jens-Christian Svenning, phone: +45 28992304, e-mail: [email protected].
 

Application material

The application should be in English and include:

• a motivation letter
• a 1-page outline of your ideas for the postdoc research project
• 2-page CV (including number of citations and H-index from Google Scholar),
• full list of publications
• educational documentation (copies of diplomas for Master and PhD degrees, in English or Danish)

Deadline

All applications must be received no later than 15 October 2024. 


Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.


Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/