About the Position
The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in ancient environmental genomics within the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS). This two-year, full-time role will begin on 15 November 2025 under the supervision of Mikkel Winther Pedersen at the Globe Institute. The project, led by Prof. Eske Willerslev, focuses on reconstructing past ecosystems using ancient environmental DNA (aeDNA) and advanced computational methods to study biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary dynamics. With its interdisciplinary approach, combining genomics, bioinformatics, ecology, geology, and archaeology, the position offers a unique opportunity to work with world-class researchers on a project of global significance that aims to develop climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Institution: University of Copenhagen
- Department: Globe Institute, Section for GeoGenetics
- Research field: Ancient Environmental Genomics
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoc (Fixed-term, 2 years)
- Start Date (Anticipated): November 2025
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Salary Range: From 38,733 DKK/month (approx. €5,100) + pension
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ancient environmental DNA (aeDNA)
- Community ecology and population genomics
- Bioinformatics and computational biology
- Ecological modelling and biodiversity reconstruction
- Evolutionary biology and adaptation
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in bioinformatics, statistics, community ecology, biology, or computational ecology
- Proven expertise in aeDNA analysis
- Strong command of command-line tools, analysis pipelines, and reproducible research practices
- Experience with species distribution models, community ecology metrics, and genomic datasets
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in R, Python, or other programming languages
- Experience with high-performance computing environments
- Strong publication record in ecology, molecular ecology, ancient DNA, or related fields
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse large-scale aeDNA datasets using computational and statistical approaches
- Reconstruct past communities and quantify species interactions
- Investigate ecological responses to environmental change
- Conduct population genomic analyses on demographic history, adaptation, and gene flow
- Contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration within AEGIS and Globe Institute
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application in English via the University of Copenhagen’s recruitment portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivated application letter (max. one page)
- CV with education, research, and language skills
- Certified copies of PhD and Master’s certificates (or statement from supervisor if PhD not yet completed)
- List of publications
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 4 September 2025
- Deadline: 18 September 2025 (23:59 GMT +2)
- Start Date: 15 November 2025
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Copenhagen
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: Apply via University of Copenhagen
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