Two postdoc positions (2 and 3 years) within metabolomics and advanced data analysis

The Department of Forensic Medicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in LC-QTOF-MS based metabolomics research within the Section for Forensic Chemistry and Bioanalytical Unit. The positions are fixed-term full-time positions for 2- and 3-years, respectively, with an intended start date April 1st, 2025 or as soon as possible.

Department of Forensic Medicine and Section for Forensic Chemistry/ The Bioanalytical Unit

As a postdoc at the Department of Forensic Medicine, you will be a part of the Faculty of Health at Aarhus University. The department employs 70 employees, of which 35 have an academic background, while 10 are tenured academic staff. Our mission is to contribute to the prevention of crime, accidents, premature deaths and suicides through research, education and forensic investigations. As an employee at the department, we expect that you contribute to achieving this goal. The department is comprised of two sections providing commissioned work for the Danish National Police as well as basic research.

The Section of Forensic Chemistry conducts screening and quantitative analysis for illegal and legal drugs and their metabolites in human biological samples as well as non-biological samples (police seizures). The section moreover houses the bioanalytical research unit, which focus on research and development within basic and applied bioanalytical chemistry. The projects often being highly interdisciplinary to progress the fields.

Our infrastructure is well-developed with modern bioanalytical laboratories equipped with a range of different LC-MS and GC-MS instruments, as well as facilities for conducting cell and molecular biology-based studies. The department is situated in conjunction with the Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here.

About the research projects

The postdocs will be involved in laboratory analysis, advanced data processing and data analysis of LC-QTOF-MS data acquired at the Section for Forensic Chemistry. The 2-year postdoc position primarily focus on the data analysis part, whereas the 3-year postdoc position must perform laboratory analysis as well as data analysis. It is expected that the two postdocs will work closely together on shared projects and discuss individual projects together and with the rest of the research group.

Laboratory analysis consist mainly of sample preparation for LC-QTOF-MS analysis. Data analysis includes multivariate and/or machine learning algorithms, as well as chemical and biological interpretation of data. The successful candidates are preferably skilled in both MS-based analytical chemistry and statistical work tools and software like R and Python. Both positions involve work with large and complex datasets to elucidate biological functions and pathways, and it is an advantage to have prior experience with data analysis for untargeted metabolomics. You will work in close collaboration with a team of scientists with strong expertise within analytical chemistry, metabolomics, clinical pharmacology and toxicology, uni- and multivariate analysis and machine learning.

Your job responsibilities

As Postdoc in metabolomics and advanced data analysis your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.

Your main tasks will consist of independent research of high international quality, this includes:

• Sample preparation for LC-QTOF-MS analysis (mainly the 3-year postdoc)
• Process and analyze data from untargeted LC-QTOF-MS analysis of biological samples using advanced data analysis methods
• Develop databases to handle metadata from the acquired samples
• Sum up results and interpret them in relation to biological questions
• Write articles and applications
• Contribute to the implementation of new analytical platforms at Section for Forensic Chemistry

Your competences

You have academic qualifications at PhD level, preferably within analytical chemistry, metabolomics, bioinformatics or equivalent, by the date of their appointment as well as interest, flair and/ or experience with the abovementioned work tasks.

As a person, you are ambitious, take ownership and possess good communication and interpersonal skills. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria.

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Head of Operations Jørgen Bo Hasselstrøm, e-mail: [email protected], tel.: (+45) 87168334 or Head of Section Mogens Johannsen, e-mail: [email protected], tel.: (+45) 87168332.

Your place of work will be the Department of Forensic Medicine, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.



Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 484.214,84 and DKK 538.720,20 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (17.1 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff

Application

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant - postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants.

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.


International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here.

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/