Research assistant and PhD fellowship in forensic genetics – forensic omics and complex samples Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Forensic Human Identification

The Department of Forensic Medicine is offering a three-year PhD fellowship with an initial three-month temporary position as research assistant. The position is available from 1 June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project description

The PhD candidate will investigate the application of multi-omics data for forensic human identification (HID). The research focuses on genome-wide shotgun DNA sequencing (whole genome sequencing) and shotgun RNA sequencing (whole transcriptome sequencing) to resolve complex forensic samples. Shotgun DNA sequencing is currently utilized for highly degraded or low-template samples in forensic case works for both human identification and extended kinship analysis (forensic investigative genetic genealogy), while shotgun RNA sequencing represents a promising alternative that enables analysis at the single-cell level.

A significant challenge in routine forensic casework is the high prevalence of multi-donor samples (mixtures), which currently account for approximately two-thirds of all samples analyzed at the Section of Forensic Genetics. This project aims to resolve these complex mixtures through two distinct strategies.

The first approach seeks to bypass the mixture problem by isolating individual cells (i.e., sperm cell) prior to analysis. Following isolation, we will conduct single-cell shotgun DNA and RNA sequencing to obtain “clean” individual profiles. The second approach focuses on exploring bioinformatic methods to “deconvolute” (untangle) shotgun DNA and RNA profiles when multiple donors are present in a single sample.

This research is part of a recently funded research project to improve the recovery and interpretation of genetic evidence in rape and sexual assault cases, specifically targeting low-quantity and challenging semen samples.

The project and position will be based at the Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine.

The PhD fellowship

The PhD fellowship is conditioned upon the applicant's successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant during the initial three-month employment as a research assistant. The PhD fellowship is financed by the Department of Forensic Medicine.

About the Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine

Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine carries out all DNA-analysis in routine casework for the Danish police. We are an internationally recognized section with around 100 employees and a dynamic research group that consists of one professor, two associate professors, two senior researchers, one assistant professor, three postdocs, and eight PhD-students.

Principal supervisor

Associate Professor Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen, Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine.

Email: jeppe.dyrberg.andersen@sund.ku.dk.

Primary co-supervisor

Associate Professor Mikkel Meyer Andersen, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Aalborg University, Denmark

Co-supervisor

Senior Researcher Claus Børsting, Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine.

Required qualifications

As an applicant you must have:

Obtained a Master´s degree in statistics, computational biology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biomedicine, biology, or a related field prior to the starting date, fluency in English and excellent communication skills, the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment, and the ability to travel for performing experiments abroad.

Preferred qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a robust background in bioinformatics, genetics, or a related discipline. Experience in the analysis of genetic data within a Linux/Unix environment is desirable. Additionally, proficiency in programming (e.g., R or Python) and an understanding of statistical data processing will be considered an advantage.

Job description

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at the Faculty are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision.
• Write scientific articles and the PhD thesis on the grounds of your research project.
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points.
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project.
• Participate in the undergraduate teaching of students in forensic genetics.
• Participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings.
• Stay at external research institution

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme.
• The grade point average achieved.
• Other professional activities.
• Language skills.
• The successful applicant is also required to be enterprising and to possess good interpersonal skills.

Formal requirements

The successful applicant will be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences according to the rules stipulated in the Ministerial order on the PhD programme at the universities (PhD order) from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Higher Education and the guidelines for the PhD programme at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

The PhD student is expected to be affiliated with the Graduate programme for Oral Sciences, Forensic Medicine and Bioanthropology (RIO).

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position as a PhD fellow is available for a 3-year period and a three-month temporary position as research assistant.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organizations. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Minimum monthly salary is DKK 33,564.04 + pension contribution for the research assistant position and DKK 31,242.75 + pension contribution for the PhD-fellowship position.

Application procedure

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Your application must include:

• Cover letter: Letter stating the interest in and qualifications for the project (max. one page)
• Full CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records: Master´s degree diploma (including grade transcripts for bachelor´s and master´s degrees). Applicants with a Master´s degree from abroad should also enclose a short description of the grading scale used
• Possible publication list
• Other information to consider: Possible references and recommendations.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to encourage everyone interested in this post to apply, regardless of personal background.

Application deadline: 1 April 2026, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Post application procedure

After the expiry date for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessor. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant may comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

For further information, applicants may contact the principal supervisor, Associate Professor Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen, email: jeppe.dyrberg.andersen@sund.ku.dk.

For more information on working and living in Denmark visit ism.ku.dk (International staff mobility) and www.workindenmark.dk.