Enrico Cappellini

The University of Copenhagen’s Globe Institute is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance mass-spectrometry-based palaeoproteomics. The project targets ancient protein traces preserved in fossil material, including remains more than one million years old, with the goal of recovering longer and higher-quality amino-acid sequences for improved phylogenetic reconstruction of extinct hominids and other fossil taxa. The postdoc will develop novel workflows spanning sample preparation, chromatography and high-sensitivity mass spectrometry. Research activities will focus on maximizing protein recovery from fossil bones and teeth while minimizing the amount of ancient material consumed, and on screening morphologically non-informative fossil fragments to help identify the originating species and sex. The work will use PRM, DDA and DIA measurement strategies and include validation of the quality and authenticity of reconstructed sequences. The successful researcher will collaborate closely with Professor Enrico Cappellini’s palaeoproteomics group and Professor Jesper V. Olsen’s proteomic research group. The interdisciplinary environment brings together palaeoanthropology, evolutionary biology, archaeology, palaeontology, computational palaeoproteomics and mass spectrometry. The Globe Institute provides access to advanced proteomics expertise, high-performance computing, international collaborations, dedicated clean laboratories for ancient biomolecules and a specialized mass spectrometry platform. In addition to the core analytical research, the role includes involvement in palaeontological and palaeoanthropological projects, management of wet-laboratory resources, teaching university course modules and co-supervision of PhD and Master’s students. The appointment is based at the Globe Institute in Copenhagen.