Postdoc in Ancient Genomics – University of Copenhagen

Postdoc Position in Ancient Genomics at University of Copenhagen, Denmark

About Position/Job

The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a Postdoctoral position in Ancient Genomics within the Centre for Geogenetics at the Globe Institute. This role is central to the prestigious project “A Multi-species study of biological and social relatedness in Neolithic Sweden”, which bridges genetics, archaeology, and osteology to explore the interplay between humans and animals in the Neolithic era. The postdoc will lead cutting-edge research in domestic animal genetics using ancient DNA techniques, directly contributing to groundbreaking interdisciplinary discoveries in European prehistory.

Position/Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Ancient Genomics
Institution: University of Copenhagen
Department: Globe Institute, Section for GeoGenetics
Research Field: Ancient Genomics, Archaeogenetics
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Number of Posts: 1
Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (2 years, with possible extension)
Start Date (Anticipated): August 2025
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary Range: Starting at 38,733 DKK/month (~€5,100), plus 17.1% pension
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD

Research Area

Population structure of Neolithic domestic animals
Genetic kinship analysis of pigs, cattle, and dogs
Ancient pathogen DNA analysis
Disease transmission in Neolithic herds
Multi-species isotopic and genomic methods
Human-animal social structures in prehistory

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in ancient genomics, population genetics, or bioinformatics
Strong skills in computational DNA analysis
Demonstrated interest in ancient DNA research
Teamwork and communication skills
Excellent written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with domestic animal genomics (cattle, pigs, dogs)
Background in pedigree reconstruction and kinship analysis
Knowledge of ancient pathogens
Wet lab experience in dedicated ancient DNA clean labs

Key Responsibilities

Lead the genetic analysis of ~150 Neolithic domestic animal samples
Investigate kinship and population structure
Detect ancient pathogens in animal DNA
Collaborate with international research teams at Lund and Gothenburg Universities
Contribute to project publications and reports
Attend project meetings and coordinate research outputs

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit your application online through the University of Copenhagen job portal. Click on “Apply now” and follow the instructions. All documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Required Documents:

Motivated cover letter (max. 1 page)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified PhD and MSc certificates (or supervisor’s statement if PhD is pending)
List of publications