Staff Scientist at Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a dedicated and technically skilled academic for development of molecular methods for ancient DNA in environmental samples.

Background
AEGIS is a pioneering research centre headed by prof. Eske Willerslev that brings together a highly interdisciplinary team of world-leading researchers with a shared vision of developing more robust, sustainable, and biodiverse cropping systems to mitigate the effects of climate change on global food production.

The job
Metagenomic analyses of DNA from environmental samples is extremely powerful, however, analysis of rare ancient DNA fragments is technically challenging. A 3-year position is opened to explore various wet lab methods that can alleviate these technical challenges generating meta-genomic data for selected species or taxa.

Profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic staff scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• Relevant academic degree (MSc) within bioscience, or engineering, specialized in wet lab molecular biology, biochemistry, or another relevant topic.
• Extensive experience with general molecular biology and wet lab procedures, preferably aDNA or sedimentary eDNA.
• Extensive experience with high-throughput sequencing.
• Self-motivated and genuinely interested in methods development.
• An independent, rational, and pragmatic mindset promoting collaboration and solutions.
• Knowledge within bioinformatics workflows, linux and NGS data analysis.
• Highly organized personality with strong attention to detail with demonstrated skills in troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English (and optionally Danish).

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the University of Copenhagen, Globe Institute, GeoGenetics in Central Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. The Globe lab facilities include molecular biology laboratories and dedicated clean lab facilities for aDNA as well as a core facility for high-throughput DNA sequencing (https://globe.ku.dk).

About Globe Institute
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. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: http://www.globe.ku.dk/.

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. 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.

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 3 years. The starting date is 1 February 2025.

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) as Academic Staff. 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 experience and qualifications. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Lasse Vinner [email protected], Tel +45 3532 1330.

Application
Your application 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.

Application deadline: 17 November, 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.