Martin Sikora

The University of Copenhagen's Globe Institute is offering two postdoctoral positions in ancient pathogen genomics, focusing on bioinformatic, statistical, and evolutionary analyses of ancient DNA data. The research is part of the APOLLO Ancient Genomics Initiative, led by Associate Professor Martin Sikora, and the Ancient Environmental Genomics Initiative for Sustainability (AEGIS), led by Professor Eske Willerslev. These interdisciplinary programs aim to uncover the evolutionary origins of human disease risk and support sustainable solutions to global challenges by integrating analyses of ancient human, pathogen, and environmental DNA. The successful candidates will join a collaborative and international research environment at the forefront of ancient pathogen genomics. Responsibilities include developing and applying bioinformatic and statistical methods to analyze large-scale ancient metagenomic datasets, performing evolutionary and population genomic analyses, and integrating genomic data with archaeological, historical, and environmental context. The positions emphasize computational and evolutionary analyses across human, animal, and plant systems. Applicants must hold a PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, genomics, evolutionary biology, statistics, or a closely related field. Essential skills include experience with large-scale sequencing or metagenomic data analysis, proficiency in R and/or Python, familiarity with high-performance computing and workflow management tools, and a solid understanding of next-generation sequencing data. Desirable qualifications include experience with ancient DNA, Bayesian or likelihood-based evolutionary inference, and integrating genomic data with archaeological or environmental metadata. Excellent communication skills in English are required. The positions are based at the Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Each position is initially for two years, with the possibility of extension, and is expected to start on April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary is determined by experience and collective agreement, with an additional pension contribution. The University offers a supportive, family-friendly, and inclusive work environment. To apply, submit your application online in English, including a motivated letter, CV, certified copies of PhD and MSc certificates, and a list of publications, by January 26, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Martin Sikora at [email protected]. More details and the application link are provided in the announcement.