Postdoc Position in Medicine
University of Copenhagen
Denmark

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a two year position to start on 1 February 2025 or after agreement.

This project will explore the potential to use human DNA recovered from sediments for forensic applications, in particular for human identification. A focus will be on performing foundational experiments to set expectations and best practices for sampling and analysis. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to apply these methodologies to archaeological burial contexts.    

Our research
The place of employment is at the Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen. The Section of Forensic Genetics is a dynamic, international team with active research in multiple forensic genetic domains including human identification, population genetics, epigenetics, and medical genomics. Information on the department can be found at: https://retsmedicin.ku.dk/english/research-in-forensic-medicine/research-in-forensic-genetics/

Your job
Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Bioinformatic analysis of sediment DNA data 
• Simulation testing and method development for population and forensic genetic analyses
• Collaborating with a dynamic team of forensic genetics researchers and computer scientists

Profile
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 Biology, Genetics, or a related field
• Proficiency in programming, with notable skills in pertinent languages and frameworks (e.g., Python and R).
• A strong proclivity for interdisciplinary research and a readiness to collaborate across diverse scientific domains.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Demonstrated track record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals, as well as presentations at conferences.
• Excellent English skills; written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Previous experience working with metagenomic data and/or workflows
• Profound competence in forensic or population genetics is highly advantageous.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Forensic Medicine University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Information on the department can be found at: https://retsmedicin.ku.dk/english/research-in-forensic-medicine/research-in-forensic-genetics/

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 1 February 2025 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,000 DKK/approx. 5,000 EUR (April 2024 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Elena Zavala; ezavala9@gmail.com; www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 28 November 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. 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 can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant 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.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.