Postdoctoral Fellowship in Water Buffalo Population Genomics
fuldtid
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Water Buffalo Population Genomics
The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a post doc position to work on population genomic analyses in water buffalos, commencing January 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The 2-year post doc position is available with Associate Professor Rasmus Heller in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in population genetic analyses using whole genome sequencing data from water buffalos, both museum samples and modern tissue samples. In addition, there will be a possibility of working on other projects using population genomics in other large mammal species, under our large and diverse research program in wildlife genomics. There will also be a possibility of teaching courses or supervising student projects at various levels.
The wild water buffalo is an endangered species, whereas domesticated water buffalos of various types are both abundant and widespread. The specific duties of the candidate will be to perform analyses of whole-genome sequencing data with the aim of investigating the genetic composition of the wild water buffalo, and its relation to the various types of domesticated water buffalo. Project objectives include shedding light on the domestication process, and the extent of post-domestication gene flow. DNA will be obtained by a mixture of museum samples and tissue samples from the few remaining wild populations.
Description of the scientific environment
The position will be in the group of Associate Professor Rasmus Heller (RH). RHs group works on using population genetic methods to infer evolutionary processes in wildlife species, including bovine domestication and evolutionary relations between wild and domestic bovines. Current focal research directions include speciation genomics, the genomic landscape of population divergence and introgression, and conservation genomics. The research group currently consists of one PhD. student and two post docs. For more information, see https://rathmuth.wixsite.com/wildlifegenetics. The group is part of the larger Statistical and Population Genetics group (www.popgen.dk), consisting of a dynamic team of four PIs working closely together on animal and human population genetics, high throughput data analyses, statistical genetics and method development. In addition, the hosting group has a strong national and international network of collaborators, and this project will involve collaborators conducting complementary work on buffalos and closely related species.
Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in population genetics/genomics, bioinformatics or a similar quantitative field. A strong analytical profile will be prioritized for this position. In addition, the following are formal requirements to apply:
The position is open from January 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and has a duration of two years with a possibility for extension.
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 accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking "APPLY for position".
Please include
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held during November 2025.
The wild water buffalo is an endangered species, whereas domesticated water buffalos of various types are both abundant and widespread. The specific duties of the candidate will be to perform analyses of whole-genome sequencing data with the aim of investigating the genetic composition of the wild water buffalo, and its relation to the various types of domesticated water buffalo. Project objectives include shedding light on the domestication process, and the extent of post-domestication gene flow. DNA will be obtained by a mixture of museum samples and tissue samples from the few remaining wild populations.
Description of the scientific environment
The position will be in the group of Associate Professor Rasmus Heller (RH). RHs group works on using population genetic methods to infer evolutionary processes in wildlife species, including bovine domestication and evolutionary relations between wild and domestic bovines. Current focal research directions include speciation genomics, the genomic landscape of population divergence and introgression, and conservation genomics. The research group currently consists of one PhD. student and two post docs. For more information, see https://rathmuth.wixsite.com/wildlifegenetics. The group is part of the larger Statistical and Population Genetics group (www.popgen.dk), consisting of a dynamic team of four PIs working closely together on animal and human population genetics, high throughput data analyses, statistical genetics and method development. In addition, the hosting group has a strong national and international network of collaborators, and this project will involve collaborators conducting complementary work on buffalos and closely related species.
Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must have a PhD in population genetics/genomics, bioinformatics or a similar quantitative field. A strong analytical profile will be prioritized for this position. In addition, the following are formal requirements to apply:
- comprehensive experience in working with linux/unix and command lines, as well as proficiency in one or more programming languages (such as R, Python, Perl, C/C++).
- experience in working with raw whole-genome sequencing data, including experience with data filtering and cleaning.
- experience with state-of-the-art population genomic analyses.
- experience in analyzing degraded DNA data, either aDNA or museum DNA.
- demonstrated ability to communicate his/her scientific work in writing and in oral presentations.
- must have published high-quality peer-reviewed papers.
- is highly motivated, able to work independently and has good interpersonal skills.
- is able to work efficiently in a team including several other participants.
- has an interest in zoology, ecology, conservation or other areas of biological research, and an ability to link population genetic analyses to biological context.
The position is open from January 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, and has a duration of two years with a possibility for extension.
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 accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking "APPLY for position".
Please include
- Curriculum vitae
- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
- Research plan – description of current and future research plans
- Complete publication list
- Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held during November 2025.