Postdoc Plant Genomics

Overview

Postdoc in Ancient Plant Genomics. We are offering a postdoctoral fellowship in evolutionary genomics and ancient DNA commencing 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter and for a period of 31 months.

The domestication of plants was a turning point for human history and for the development of agriculture. Studying plant domestication is essential to understand the origin of complex societies and to develop better crops able to adapt to today’s changing environment. In our group, we are interested in understanding the evolutionary processes that shaped plants during domestication. Through population genomics and ancient DNA, we focus on characterising key aspects of plant domestication: demographic history, dispersion trajectories, selection signatures, and plant-microbiome coevolution.

The postdoctoral fellow will be part of the plant palaeogenomics research group led by Assistant Prof. Jazmín Ramos Madrigal within the Globe Institute Section for Hologenomics. This position is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

The project aims at developing and benchmarking computational methods for the analysis of low-depth of coverage ancient DNA sequencing data from maize and other crops.

Applicants should hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics or a related field, have a strong background in computational biology/bioinformatics and experience in the following:

• Analysing ancient DNA high-throughput sequencing data
• Carrying through an independent research work
• Working in an interdisciplinary research group
• Teaching at University level and supervising MSc and BSc students
• Participating in conferences or other types of dissemination activities
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and spoken

The candidate should have interest in learning or experience in:

• The study of plant domestication
• Carrying out palaeogenomic laboratory work
• Participating in outreach events or activities
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research within the project’s scope and may also contribute to teaching and supervision within the department.

The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, Section for Hologenomics (Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350, Copenhagen) Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include state-of-the-art core facilities including dedicated ancient DNA clean labs, modern DNA labs, an automated pipeline for DNA extraction and sequencing, and a constantly-expanding computer cluster.

The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year.

The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

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