4 Postdoc positions in Palaeoproteomics at Globe Institute

4 Postdoc positions in Palaeoproteomics at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

The Evolutionary Palaeoproteomics research group, led by Associate Professor Enrico Cappellini, is looking for 4 highly competent, motivated, and dynamic Postdocs, with demonstrated experience in different and complementary areas of (palaeo)proteomic research, for four 18-23 month full-time positions starting on the 1 March 2025 or by agreement.

The four positions are funded by the ERC Advanced Grant “BACKWARD - Overcoming the Frontiers of Biomolecular Studies on Human History and Adaptation Using Palaeoproteomics” awarded to Enrico Cappellini. BACKWARD aims to advancing knowledge about the evolution and variation of hominin and other mammalian species that went extinct millions of years ago, by developing new MS-based palaeoproteomic methods to retrieve and sequence proteins from palaeoanthropological and paleontological remains, beyond the limits of ancient DNA preservation.

Research and work environment
The molecular-based taxonomic identification of most fossil hominid taxa and the determination of the phylogenetic relationships connecting them remain challenging. Our group, in close collaboration with the proteomic research group led by Prof Jesper V. Olsen at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), also part of the University of Copenhagen, develops and applies MS-based proteomic methods to sequence million-years-old proteins, currently the only source of genetic information beyond the limits of ancient DNA preservation. We then use this information to define the phylogenetic position of a set of extinct hominid species from Asia and Africa whose fossils are up to ~2-3 million years old. Interestingly, ancient protein analysis can also be used to determine the sex of fossil mammalian teeth and consequently to distinguish whether their morphological variation derives from either sexual dimorphism or taxonomic diversity. In close collaboration with a broad international and interdisciplinary network of colleagues, we then integrate our results with previous knowledge from other approaches, such as morphometric analysis.

The Evolutionary Palaeoproteomics group works as a highly integrated team of doctoral and post-doctoral members each one with their expertise, including: palaeoanthropology, paleoethology, bioinformatics and ancient protein biochemistry, who all support each other to achieve common and individual research objectives. If selected for one of the open positions, you will join an inclusive team already highly diverse in terms of gender, nationality, scientific background and geographic origin.

Read more about the positions here

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350 Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. The Globe molecular biology labs are a core lab facility for the research groups at the institute, see more here: Molecular biology labs
The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. Information on the institute can be found at: Globe Institute

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The positions are fixed-term positions limited to a period of 18-23 months, all expiring no later than on 31st December 2026. The starting date is 1 March 2025 or by agreement.

Terms of appointment and payment according 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.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information contact Associate Prof. Enrico Cappellini, [email protected].

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted online and must include:

1. Letter of application
2. CV
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) MSc certificate.
4. List of publications.

Deadine: 5 December 2024, 23.59pm CET.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

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