Postdoctoral position in germline and somatic evolution across mammals Full-time

Postdoctoral Position In Germline And Somatic Evolution Across Mammals

The research group of Mikkel Heide Schierup invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position in mutational processes in the germline and soma of mammals and the associated molecular and transcriptional evolution of the genes of the DNA repair pathways. The place of employment is the Bioinformatics Research Centre at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University. Start date is August 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation will generate large scale Pacbio HiFi sequencing data from many different tissues from multiple individuals of different mammalian species as well as snRNA sequencing data from the same tissues.

The purpose is to detect different types of mutations (SNVs, indels, transpositions) in the different tissues and model their occurrence in relation to tissue specific gene expression differences as well as species, age and gender of the individuals.

This is a 2–year position from August 1, 2026, or as soon possible hereafter.

The position may include the following tasks:

• Develop computation pipelines for large scale analysis mainly using Python
• Develop approaches to infer DNA single strand damage from HiFi kinetics output
• Infer scars of repair directly from the HiFi sequences in the form of homologous repair scars and indels
• Develop new statistical approaches for data analysis.
• Analyse snRNA data and relate it to mutational outcomes

Should you have any doubts or require further information, Prof. Mikkel Heide Schierup (mheide@birc.au.dk) is available for informal discussions regarding the potential fit for the position

The University is keen for its staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified applicants regardless of their personal background.

Applicants for this position must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent level of education) in population genetics, bioinformatics, data science, genetics, or in molecular biology with an emphasis on quantitative methods.

Applicants are asked to submit the following documents:

• a cover letter stating the relevant experience and projects and motivation for applying for the position [maximum two pages]
• a cv and a list of publications
• a maximum of three relevant publications.

Applications must be received no later than July 7, 2026.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.