University of Copenhagen Ph.D. Fellowship in Joint Project Between Natural History Museum and Niels Bohr Institute 2017, Denmark

The GeoGenetics center at NHM is a world leading research center on aDNA, which has had several break-throughs in outlining the human genetical history. There are currently about 80 persons working in the group, conducting research on a vast variety of interesting aDNA samples, which the GeoGenetics group has collected and extracted DNA from. More samples yet to undergo data analysis are in store. The Niels Bohr Institute has both expertise and infrastructure for large scale data analysis with advanced methods. 

The main idea of this Ph.D. project is to combine aDNA data analysis with methods from other fields, possibly advanced statistics and Machine Learning. For this reason, the Ph.D. position is jointly between NBI and NHM and supervision will be carried out by Troels C. Petersen (NBI) and Thorfinn Sand Korneliussen (NHM). 

The successful candidate will be based in Copenhagen and share time between NBI (initially) and NHM (mainly), but should expect some travel activity to Cambridge and elsewhere for meetings, workshops, and possibly field work. Due to external funding from the Lundbeck Foundation, the travel and equipment budget is very competitive. If interested, the candidate will also have the possibility to assist in teaching and/or supervision of students.

To qualify for this Ph.D. position the candidate must be highly motivated and should have completed a master degree or equivalent in physics, computer science, and/or bioinformatics or a related field by the time of appointment (15th of September 2017 or shortly thereafter). Mathematical understanding, basic knowledge of statistics and good skills in C++ and/or Python programming are essential. Experience with genomic data and knowledge of heredity are also desired though not a requirement. Furthermore, the candidate should have demonstrated experience in large scale data analysis and possibly machine learning. The successful candidate will be expected to show initiative, be able to work fairly independently, and have self reliance in problem solving. The working language is English, thus excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills are necessary. 

Applications should be submitted before 22th of August 2017, 23:59 GMT +1, and should include: 

•Statement of research interests and motivation for applying for this Ph.D. position (max. 2 pages) 

•Curriculum Vitae, including prior research, analysis, and computing experience (max. 2 pages) 

•Transcripts of diploma of degrees obtained (bachelor and possibly master). 

•List of publications with a short description of contribution(s) to these (max. 1 page). 

•Contact information for 2-3 references, from which letters of reference can be obtained. 

Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Questions and/or requests for additional information should be directed by Email to Associate Professor Troels C. Petersen, petersen@nbi.dk, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen. Applicants can expect a final response by September 2017. The main criterion for further consideration will be the research potential of the applicant. 

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned qualifications. 

The successful applicant will be hired as a Ph.D. student for either a 3-year period or for a 4 year period in a 4+4 program, both of which have no possibility of extension. The key tasks as a Ph.D. student at SCIENCE are: 

•To manage and carry through your research project 

•Attend PhD courses 

•Write scientific articles and your PhD thesis 

•Teach and disseminate your research 

•To stay at an external research institution for a few months, preferably abroad 

•Work for the department