Researcher in Zoological Computational Palaeoenomics

The Department of Zoology is part of the Faculty of Science and has approximately 50 employees and 40 doctoral students. Its main research areas are ecology, ethology, functional morphology, systematics and evolution, and population genetics.
More information about us, please visit: the Department of Zoology.

The Centre for Palaeogenetics (CPG) is a research centre with world-leading facilities and expertise for generating and analysing ancient DNA data. CPG comprises seven research groups and approximately 45 doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and other staff, and is jointly funded by the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the departments of Geological Sciences, Zoology and Archaeology at Stockholm University.
More information about us, please visit: the Centre for Palaeogenetics.

Project description

The Department of Zoology invites applications for a researcher position at the Centre for Palaeogenetics (CPG) in Stockholm. The planned research aims to develop cutting-edge computational methods for palaeogenomic analysis of highly degraded DNA. This includes developing methods for accurate mapping and authentication of extremely short and damaged DNA fragments, developing tools for iterative mapping against divergent reference genomes, and validating the performance of computational genomics tools using simulated and empirical data. The research project and the tools developed are funded by and will be used in ongoing research projects on human-animal-pathogen interactions (KAW First Contact & ERC MAMBA), biodiversity dynamics (ERC PoC ECOGEN), and temporal dynamics in structural variants (Formas).

Main responsibilities

The position primarily involves research in computational palaeogenomics, as well as setting up and administrating the compute clusters and data storage databases required for these analyses, and participating in the day-to-day activities of the Centre for Palaeogenetics.

Qualification requirements

Researchers are appointed primarily for purposes of research and must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

In the appointment process, particular emphasis will be placed on research expertise in computational palaeogenomics. Knowledge of computer programming and experience in developing bioinformatics software and pipelines in Nextflow for palaeogenomic research, as well as in analysing exceptionally old and/or degraded DNA, are considered merits. As the researcher is expected to collaborate with postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, a personal track-record of laboratory work on ancient DNA is also considered a merit.

About the employment

This is a full-time, indefinite-term position with a six-month trial period. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

At Stockholm University, the dynamic interaction between higher education and research creates an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international setting with favourable employment conditions. The University is located in the Royal National City Park, with good transport links to the city centre. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination, offering equal rights and opportunities for all.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Love Dalén, love.dalen@zoologi.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.