2-year Assistant Professorship of population genomics and ancient biomolecules at the Globe Institute

2-year Assistant Professorship of population genomics and ancient biomolecules at the Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen



We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher for a 2-year Assistant Professorship in population genomics and ancient biomolecules. The position will commence on 15 July 2024 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research
The successful candidate will be part of the Molecular Ecology and Global Climate Change group, led by Professor Eline Lorenzen, within the Section for Molecular Ecology & Evolution based at the Globe Institute. In the group, we integrate biomolecular data from past and present populations of mammal species, in combination with ecological modelling, to understand patterns and drivers of eco-evolutionary change. We are an international group of PhD students and postdocs. We are currently six people in the group - from Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, and the US. Our work is interdisciplinary and highly collaborative, and we work towards fostering an inclusive, supportive, and team oriented work environment.

The Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution is one of six research sections at Globe Institute. The research of the section is driven by curiosity and shared excitement for scientific collaboration and discovery and we value a diverse and inclusive scientific environment that fosters creativity. Information on the institute can be found at https://globe.ku.dk

Your job

You will examine the Holocene history of various mammal species through the retrieval and analysis of population genomic data and ancient biomolecules (DNA and stable isotopes) from past and present populations. The focus will be several target Arctic marine mammal species (incl. polar bears, bowhead whales), but may include the investigation of data from other relevant vertebrate species. Specifically, your research would focus on demographic reconstruction and population history. The fossil data will be understood in the context of the genomic diversity and structuring of contemporary populations. The position will primarily have a computational focus, although some ancient and modern lab work may be required. The Assistant Professor is expected to co-advise students, fellows, and postdocs in the Molecular Ecology and Global Climate Change group, and will work closely with collaborators in Canada, Greenland, and Norway during the two years.



Principal investigator is Professor Eline Lorenzen, Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, [email protected].



Start: 15 July 2024 or as soon as possible hereafter

Duration: 2 years as Assistant Professor



The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

- research, including publication/academic dissemination duties

- supervision and mentorship of other members of the group

- research-based teaching

- sharing knowledge with society

- participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors



Profile

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

- You have a PhD in evolutionary biology, population genomics, or ancient DNA

- You are highly experienced in the handling and analysis of genome-wide Illumina sequencing data, both low- and high-coverage genome-wide data

- You have documented experience in the analysis of biomolecules (DNA and stable isotopes) retrieved from ancient samples

- You have an active interest in collaborative research

- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in the natural and cultural history of the Arctic

- Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams

- Excellent English skills written and spoken

- Several years of postdoctoral experience

- Internationally competitive research and a number of high-profile first-author publications in good international journals

Desirable experience and skills:

- Documented teaching experience, and co-supervision of MSc, PhD students, and postdocs

- Showing strong potential for obtaining career development grants



Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark.

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. Check this part of our 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. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families. See the International Staff Mobility website for more details.



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 2 years. The starting date is 15 July 2024 or after agreement.

The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s success­ful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/approximately 4,880 EUR (October 2023 level) plus pension.



Questions
For specific information about the Assistant Professorship, please contact Eline Lorenzen.

General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/



Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

3. Copy of PhD thesis

4. Publication list (if possible)

Application deadline: 15 May 2024, 23.59pm 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 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. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You find information about the recruitment process at: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicants 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.