About Position/Job
The University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Ancient Metagenomics and Fermentation Microbiomes at the Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. This two-year, full-time postdoctoral position is part of the DFF1 FERMENTEDPASTS project, supervised by Assoc. Prof. Hannes Schroeder, with an anticipated start date of 15 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project explores the microbial heritage of traditional fermentations, with a strong focus on Norwegian farmhouse brewing (kveik), integrating ancient metagenomics, microbial genomics, and functional assays. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the role sits at the intersection of archaeology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, and biomolecular science, offering a unique opportunity to link historical fermentation microbiomes with modern brewing performance in a highly interdisciplinary and internationally collaborative research environment.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
- Institution: University of Copenhagen
- Department: Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
- Research Field: Ancient Metagenomics, Microbial Genomics, Fermentation Microbiomes
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term Postdoctoral
- Start Date (Anticipated): April 2026
- Working Hours: 37.5 per week
- Salary Range: As per the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) agreement
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ancient metagenomics and biomolecular archaeology
- Fermentation microbiomes and microbial heritage
- Microbial and yeast population genomics
- Evolutionary biology and molecular ecology
- Functional genomics linked to brewing performance
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in ancient DNA, biomolecular archaeology, microbiology, genomics, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with ancient DNA laboratory workflows and contamination control
- Proven experience in shotgun metagenomic analysis of low-biomass samples
- Proficiency in bioinformatics tools relevant to ancient DNA research
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills in English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in yeast or bacterial genomics and fermentation microbiology
- Experience linking genotype to phenotype in fermentation-relevant traits
- Familiarity with proteomics, metabolomics, or sensory analytics collaborations
- Record of first-author publications and collaborative research experience
Key Responsibilities
- Generate and analyse ancient metagenomic datasets from archaeological artefacts
- Perform taxonomic, functional, and phylogenomic analyses
- Integrate modern fermentation microbiome data with ancient datasets
- Design hypothesis-driven functional assays in collaboration with partners
- Contribute to manuscripts, data releases, and public or museum outreach
- Work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit your application in English via the official University of Copenhagen recruitment system by clicking “Apply now”.
Required Documents:
- Motivated cover letter (maximum 1 page)
- CV including education, research experience, skills, and publications (maximum 2 pages)
- Certified or signed copies of PhD and MSc diplomas (or supervisor statement if PhD is pending)
- List of publications
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Ongoing
- Deadline: 4 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Interview Date: Expected in week 3
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Copenhagen
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply Now: click here
More Job Opportunities: click here
