Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Genetics and Human Evolution 2019, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Hominin paleogenomic inference in the light of machine learning 

 

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship in the research group of Fernando Racimo. The Racimo group focuses on using ancient and present-day genomes to understand patterns of selection and admixture over time, and to develop methods to jointly analyze population and functional genomic data. We are particularly interested in human evolution during the Pleistocene, and in modeling the joint history of Neanderthals, Denisovans and modern humans over time. 

The focus of the project will be on integrating ancient genomics and population genetic theory with new machine learning techniques. In collaboration with experts in machine learning, the candidate will develop and apply statistical methods to answer questions about the genomic history of different hominin groups. The candidate will have freedom to design their project in consultation with the advisor. Research topics can include: 1) Modeling spatio-temporal patterns of Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression across the world; 2) Characterizing adaptively important genes introduced into the human gene pool via archaic adaptive introgression, and their implications for the prevalence of diseases in ancient and modern times; 3) Searching for signals of admixture from unsampled deeply-splitting populations in the genomes of modern and archaic hominins. 

The position is fully funded, and the candidate will work at the Lundbeck GeoGenetics Centre, a world-leading institution in ancient DNA studies. (S)he will have the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in the fields of paleogenomics, population genetics and machine learning, including Martin Sikora (University of Copenhagen), Matteo Fumagalli (Imperial College London), Joshua Schraiber (Temple University) and Andrew Kern (University of Oregon). The University of Copenhagen is ranked the 29th best university in the world according to Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018 . It provides excellent academic programs in biology, statistics, computer science and mathematics.

The candidate will have a MD, PhD, or equivalent doctorate, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: population genetics, human genetics, genomics, computational biology, bioinformatics, machine learning, data science, mathematics and/or statistics. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a working proficiency in programming and statistical computing (e.g. experience in Python, R, C/C++, Java or Julia) and have experience handling large data sets in the UNIX operating environment. Experience in machine learning is welcome but not required. 

 

The postdoc’s duties will include research within population, genetics and human evolution as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.  

Further information on the Department is linked at geogenetics@snm.ku.dk. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assist. Prof. Fernando Racimo (fracimo@snm.ku.dk) or Prof. Eske Willerslev (ewillerslev@snm.ku.dk) . 

 

The position is open from May 01, 2019 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 according 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 426.625 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 72.952). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. 

The deadline for applications is Fabuary 28th 2019, 23:59 GMT +1. 

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.