About Position/Job
University of Copenhagen invites applications for one or more fully funded Postdoctoral Researcher positions in Ancient Environmental Genomics within the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS). These two-year postdoctoral positions, starting 1 March 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter), are based at the Globe Institute, Section for GeoGenetics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark.
AEGIS is a pioneering, large-scale international research initiative led by Prof. Eske Willerslev, aiming to develop climate-resilient crops and sustainable agricultural practices through cutting-edge ancient environmental DNA research. The advertised roles are hosted within the Paleo-Environmental Genomics Group, focusing on reconstructing past ecosystems, long-term biodiversity dynamics, and advancing computational methods in ancient DNA, metagenomics, ecology, and population genomics. The positions offer an outstanding interdisciplinary and international research environment addressing global environmental and sustainability challenges.
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: One or more
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral (Fixed Term – 2 Years)
- Start Date (Anticipated): March 2026
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Salary Range: From 38,733 DKK/month (~5,100 EUR) + pension
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Ancient environmental DNA (aeDNA)
- Metagenomics and population genomics
- Community ecology and biodiversity dynamics
- Evolutionary biology and demography
- Ecosystem response to climate change
- Computational and statistical genomics
- Interglacial deposits and ancient desertification
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Statistics, Biology, Community Ecology, Computational Ecology, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in aeDNA analysis and metagenomic pipelines
- Strong command-line and pipeline development skills
- Experience working with large-scale genomic datasets
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in R, Python, or similar programming languages
- Experience with high-performance computing (HPC)
- Strong publication record in ancient DNA, molecular ecology, or ecological modelling
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary international teams
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse large-scale ancient environmental DNA datasets
- Reconstruct past ecosystems and community structures
- Integrate population genomics and community ecology
- Study evolutionary dynamics, adaptation, and biodiversity change
- Contribute to work packages on interglacial archives and desertification events
- Publish research in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
What the University of Copenhagen Offers
- World-leading research environment within AEGIS
- Inclusive, diverse, and international workplace culture
- Family-friendly policies, including parental leave and flexible working
- Attractive pension scheme and possible tax benefits
- Extensive support for international researchers and families
- Excellent work–life balance in Copenhagen, Denmark
Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Copenhagen is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances.
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online in English via the University of Copenhagen recruitment system.
Required Documents (PDF format):
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- PhD and MSc certificates (or supervisor statement if PhD not completed)
- List of publications
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Application Open: Open
- Application Deadline: 4 January 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Expected Start Date: 1 March 2026
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Official Notification: click here
- Apply Now: click here
Contact Person: Mikkel Winther Pedersen – mwpedersen@sund.ku.dk
More Job Opportunities: click here
