Postdoc in evolutionary and conservation genomics

Link to application page: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/?show=159894

Postdoc in evolutionary and conservation genomics

Natural History Museum Denmark

Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

We are searching for a researcher to fill a 3-year postdoctoral position in evolutionary and conservation genomics, to begin on 1 November 2023 or soon thereafter.

The position is funded by the research project “Causes and consequences of flightlessness in birds”, financed by Danmarks Frie Forskningsfonden (DFF; Independent Research Fund Denmark). This project will explore the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying the spectrum of flight capacities across bird species. The project will also examine the potential trade-offs associated with flightlessness, such as changes in morphology, metabolism, behavior, and population size. By analyzing genomic data from both flightless and flight-capable bird species, this research seeks to unravel the genetic signatures and functional implications of flightlessness, shedding light on the evolutionary consequences and adaptive trajectories of this intriguing phenomenon in avian evolution.

We are searching for candidates with experience and expertise in the fields of phylogenetics, population genetics, evolutionary genomics, conservation genetics, demography, and related disciplines. Knowledge and experience in ornithology and biogeography are desirable, but not required. The postdoc will have opportunities to design, create, and lead projects based on their own interests, given that they are within the scope of the funded research.

The postdoc’s duties will include:

Writing and developing manuscripts for submission to leading peer-reviewed research journals

Analyzing and managing comparative genomic data

Knowledge dissemination, including presentations at international conferences

Professional development

Essential experiences and skills include:

PhD in evolutionary biology, genomics, or a related field

A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

Effective communication skills

Bioinformatics and computational skills and proficiency in tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, or others)

Ability to work independently and in collaboration

Desirable but non-essential experiences include:

Wet-lab experience, including DNA extraction and genomic library preparation

Experience with high-performance computing

Further information about the department is linked at https://snm.ku.dk/english/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Peter A. Hosner (peter.hosner@snm.ku.dk).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Research environment
The selected candidate will be part of a research team at the University of Copenhagen that focuses on the intersection of biogeography, evolution, and phylogenetics. The team uses new materials from the field alongside the historical specimen collections held at the Natural History Museum of Denmark to unravel the evolutionary history and biogeographic patterns of birds. Using a foundation of DNA sequence data to infer historical relationships, we explore the ecological and evolutionary factors driving the diversification of species and their traits, including morphology, behavior, and adaptation to different environments. The team is positioned in the Natural History Museum Denmark, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen; and it also has an affiliation with the Center for Macroecology, Evolution, and Climate, Globe Institute, Faculty of SUND.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

Motivated letter of application (maximum length two pages)

Curriculum vitae

Complete publication list

Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2023, 23:59 GMT +2

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held online, on or around 2 October 2023