Postdoctoral position al multiomics section of Molecular Ecolo

Postdoctoral Position in Ancient Environmental Multiomics

The Globe Institute, Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, invites applications for a 1.5‑year postdoctoral position in ancient environmental multiomics, starting 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is part of the DEMISE project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and led by Assist. Prof. Ainara Sistiaga. The project aims to investigate the factors leading to Neanderthals’ replacement by examining the ancient environment and microbiome of the last Neanderthals and its influence on diet, behavior, and disease.

The section operates across evolutionary biology and molecular ecology, applying quantitative methods to understand the ecology and evolution of hominins in relation to climate, diet, and microbiomes. The role will be jointly hosted with the Paleo‑Environmental Genomics Group at the Center for Ancient Environmental Genomics and co‑supervised by Assist. Prof. Mikkel Winther Pedersen.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will:

• Analyze multi‑omic datasets from Neanderthal and early modern human coprolites and faecal‑rich sediments.
• Apply computational and statistical approaches to reconstruct ancient environments and gut microbiomes, characterize host‑microbe interactions, and test responses to dietary shifts and environmental pressures during the Neanderthal‑AMH transition.
• Integrate metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to probe population structure, phylogenetic relationships, and functional capacities of hosts and microbial partners.
• Contribute to work packages focused on host‑microbiome co‑evolution and develop theory and methods linking host evolutionary dynamics with microbiome assembly and function.

• Demonstrated expertise in aeDNA analysis and metagenomic pipelines.
• Strong skills in implementing efficient command‑line tools and analysis pipelines; comfortable with high‑throughput data, version control, and reproducible research.
• Experience linking read‑level evidence to community ecology metrics, population genomics, and species distribution models for robust reconstruction of past ecosystems.
• PhD in bioinformatics, statistics, community ecology, biology, computational ecology, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

• Computational skills, including proficiency in R, Python, or other relevant programming languages.
• Experience working with high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong scientific track record with publications as first author in journals on community ecology, molecular ecology, ecological modeling, ancient DNA, or related fields.
• Curiosity and motivation to explore metabolomic datasets and develop integrative approaches merging diverse omic layers.

The Globe Institute, Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Øster Farimasgade 5, building 7, 1350 Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Its purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of natural sciences, medical sciences, and the humanities.

The position is a fixed‑term appointment of 1.5 years. Weekly working hours are 37 hours. Salary starts at 39,237 DKK/month (≈5,100 EUR as of November 2025) with a pension contribution of 18.07 %. A supplement may be negotiated depending on qualifications. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Ainara Sistiaga, ainara.sistiaga.dk

Mikkel Winther Pedersen, mwpedersen.dk

Submit an online application in English by clicking ‘Apply Now’ below. Attach the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV including education, work/research experience, language skills, and other relevant skills.
• Certified/signed copy of PhD and MSc certificates (or written statement from PhD supervisor if not yet completed).
• List of publications.

Final date to receive applications: 5 March 2026, 23:59 CET. Applications received after the deadline or not meeting the stated requirements will not be considered.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration.