Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Genomics

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a post doc position in genetic admixture between cattle and banteng, commencing April 1st 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. The 2-year post doc position is available with Tenure-track Assistant Professor Rasmus Heller in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate is expected to work on population genetic analyses of the admixture history between domestic and wild species of the Bos genus using whole genome sequencing data. In addition, there will be a possibility of working on other projects using population genomics in large mammal species. There will also be a possibility of teaching courses or supervising student projects at various levels.

The specific project is part of a project investigating genetic structure and admixture between populations and species of the Bos genus in Indonesia. The focus of the post doc project will be to identify genomic regions that have introgressed from wild species into domestic Indonesian cattle breeds, and vice versa. This project is part of a larger research framework aiming to investigate the reticulated evolution in the Asian members of the Bos genus, and more generally the evolution of ruminants (Chen et al., 2019).

Description of the scientific environment
The position will be in the group of Tenure-track Assistant Professor Rasmus Heller (RH). RHs group works on using population genetic methods to infer evolutionary processes in wildlife species, including population divergence history, local adaptations and speciation, mainly in ruminants of Africa and Asia (e.g. Hansen et al., 2018; Pedersen et al., 2018)). The research group is in an establishing phase, with numerous additional new staff planned over the next few years. For more information, see https://rathmuth.wixsite.com/wildlifegenetics. The group is part of the larger Statistical and Population Genetics group (www.popgen.dk), consisting of a dynamic team of four PIs working on animal and human population genetics, high throughput data analyses, statistical genetics and method development. In addition, the hosting group has a strong international network of collaborators. The group is formally placed at the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, which has a diverse and international faculty and post graduate student composition.

Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in population genetics/genomics, bioinformatics or a similar quantitative field. The PhD degree cannot be more than four years old at the deadline for the application submission, disregarding any sick or parental leave. In addition, the following are formal requirements to apply:
• comprehensive experience in working with linux/unix and command lines, as well as some proficiency in one or more programming languages (such as R, Python, Perl, C/C++).
• experience in working with high-throughput sequencing data, ideally with whole-genome sequencing data.
• experience with population genomic analyses.
• a demonstrated ability to communicate his/her scientific work in writing and in oral presentations.
• must have published high-quality peer-reviewed papers.

In addition to these formal requirements, the following will be considered advantageous in candidates:

• is highly motivated, able to work independently and has good interpersonal skills.
• has prior experience with admixture analyses, including inferring local ancestry and demographic history.
• has an interest in mammal biology and/or animal domestication and/or livestock genetics.
• is willing to travel to Indonesia and other Asian countries as part of the collaboration with researchers and institutions in these countries.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to assistant professor Rasmus Heller, email rheller @ bio.ku.dk.

The position is open from April 1st 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

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.
The starting salary is currently up to DKK 434.179 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.244). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The university and the city of Copenhagen
University of Copenhagen is ranked as the 26th best university in the world according to Academic Ranking of World Universities 2019 (http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU2019.html) and the Department of Biology is located in the recently built Biocenter (http://www.biocenter.ku.dk/) in central Copenhagen, Denmark – a city that is consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world (see e.g. https://studyindenmark.dk/news/quality-of-life-denmark-ranked-1st and https://placebrandobserver.com/monocle-quality-of-life-survey-25-most-liveable-cities-2018/ at 5:56).

To apply
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below (or SØG STILLINGEN if you are on the Danish version of this homepage). The application should include the following items:

- Cover letter detailing your motivation and background for applying for this position (max. 2 pages)
- Curriculum vita
- Complete publication list
- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
- Contact details of 2-3 persons for references and a brief description of your relationship to them

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2020, 23:59 GMT +1

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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

APPLY NOW

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.

Info

Application deadline: 31-01-2020

Employment start: 01-04-2020

Department/Location: Department of Biology

Kilde: Jobnet.dk