Staff Scientist (AC-TAP) or Research Consultant in Bioinformatics at Globe Institute

We are looking for a highly motivated informatician with a strong track record in datascience to join our bioinformatics team and support our efforts in analyzing ancient environmental genomes at the Center for Ancient Environmental Genomics (CAEG) and the new AEGIS center. The position is open from April 1st 2025.

Workplace
The Centre for Ancient Environmental Genomics (CAEG) is an interdisciplinary research center specializing in sequencing and analyzing ancient DNA (aeDNA). Our international research team collects samples from ice, soil, and lake deposits and utilizes cutting-edge sequencing technologies to extract and analyze ancient DNA from such samples. Through the reconstruction of ancient environments, our research provides valuable insights into ecological and evolutionary processes, including the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. The research brings together a diverse team of researchers with backgrounds in geology, genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, computer science, statistics, and more. During onboarding, there will be particular emphasis on facilitating integration in the Center and the Institute.

Your job
You will be a part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for processing large next-generation sequencing metagenomic datasets. Your role will involve processing large-scale next-generation sequencing datasets, and designing and automating cutting-edge pipelines for data summarization, visualization, and quality control. Your role could involve developing innovative bioinformatic tools and benchmarking methodologies that will revolutionize how ancient metagenomic data is processed and interpreted. In this dynamic environment, you will also offer high-level support to ongoing research projects, applying your deep knowledge to solve complex, real-time scientific challenges.

Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated and forward-thinking academic with a robust scientific background and extensive experience in ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis. This is a role for an individual who excels in both research and collaborative problem-solving, and who is eager to contribute to a globally influential body of work at the intersection of ecology, bioinformatics and genomics.

Essential experience and skills:
● Master or PhD in Life sciences, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Data Science or related fields
● Advanced proficiency in Python, R, and UNIX shell scripting, with substantial experience in developing pipelines using tools like Snakemake and Docker.
● Extensive experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and automated workflow managers (e.g., Snakemake, Nextflow).
● Knowledge of low-level languages such as C/C++ and similar
● Demonstrated experience in the analysis of large-scale (ancient) DNA datasets
● Deep understanding of bioinformatics pipelines for taxa assignment
● Understanding of all aspects of genomic data generation
● Proficiency in queue management systems (e.g., Slurm) and experience managing high-performance computing environments.
● Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
● Fluency in both written and spoken English

Desirable skills:
● Experience publishing in peer-reviewed international journals, including first-author articles
● Experience working with population genomics datasets, particularly in ancient populations
● Experience developing, implementing, and benchmarking computational methods
● Thorough knowledge of computer science principles and concepts
● Track record of supervising students and delivering teaching at the BSc./MSc. level

Personal Attributes:
● An innovative and analytical mindset
● Collaborative team player who thrives in interdisciplinary teams
● Exceptional attention to detail and highly organized
● Ability to handle the pressure of fast-paced research environments while staying adaptable to new challenges, technologies, and scientific inquiries.

Place of employment
The place of work is at the Center for GeoGenetics, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer supportive, creative, and stimulating working conditions within a dynamic and international research environment.

Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See the website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who contribute to our institute's diversity and competencies through their service 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.

Terms of employment
The position will be as either Academic Staff or Special Consultant, depending on background and experience of the chosen candidate, and salary level 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.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Thorfinn Sand Korneliussen, [email protected]

Application
Your application should be in English and should 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.

Application deadline: 27 January 2025, 23.59 CET

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 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 (UC) is in the process of implementing a new common administrative organization and new workflows, which will entail changes in the coming years. For further information, please contact Thorfinn Sand Korneliussen, [email protected] and the name of the union representative Janne Sørensen.