Postdoc in Biomolecular Identification for Past Pandemics – DTU Health Tech

In this position your main objective will be to identify the pathogenic agents of disease outbreaks that led to mortality and morbidity in past populations. You will work on the exploration of biomolecular evidence from historical and archaeological preserved tissues which potentially harbor pathogens linked to historically attested pandemics. The position involves data generation (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, NGS library preparation and target enrichment), bioinformatic data processing, and developing these skills over the duration of the project. The position requires experience working with degraded or difficult historical materials, such as formalin-fixed tissues or archaeological bones and teeth, in order to extract material for the sequencing of pathogen biomolecules. You will be comfortable working with human remains and recognising tissue lesions in order to identify samples pertinent to the larger research questions. This position will involve travel to examine and collect samples relevant to specific research topics. Understanding pathological conditions and etiology, pathogen dynamics, and host immune response will be critical for sample selection, as well as contextualization and interpretation of the resulting biomolecular datasets. Within this scope, you will both contribute to existing research avenues, but also be able to propose hypothesis driven questions.. Our ideal candidate will be working alongside colleagues within a highly interdisciplinary research environment, so they should be enthusiastic about contributing to the diverse community.

The two-year position will be supervised by Professor Ander Gorm Pedersen (Department of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), Section for Bioinfomatics, DTU), and Associate Professor Hannes Schroeder (Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen). You will also join the ongoing efforts of researchers at the PandemiX Center of Excellence which is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) and led by professor of epidemiology Lone Simonsen at Roskilde University.

Responsibilities

• Employ multi-omic techniques on historical and archaeological samples to recover and characterize pathogens. This position requires method development to recover biomolecular material from challenging and diverse substrates (e.g. histological specimens or archaeological bone). 
• Identification and securing access to new samples in order to address ambitious research questions. This will include understanding sample specific strategies to minimize contamination and maximize endogenous biomolecular recovery.
• Undertaking the extraction and purification of ancient DNA, proteins, and RNA for sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic processing. 
• Active participation in the PandemiX community. This may include publication of our research findings in peer-reviewed journals, attending and presenting at conferences, as well as engaging in academic discussions with partner institutions.
• Mentorship and guidance for junior researchers, students, and visiting scholars. This could include lab supervision and training, and assisting in developing research questions and skills. 

Qualifications

• Proficiency in wet lab techniques, including working with historical and ancient samples, extraction of biomolecules, and preparation of samples for sequencing. 
• Knowledge of computational pipelines for processing of datasets and collaborating with colleagues for advanced bioinformatic analysis.
• Adaptability and exploration in method development 
• Ability to interpret biomolecular and pathogen data within the historical or archaeological context for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Team-player eager to collaborate with the diverse and interdisciplinary team at Pandemix and our associate researchers to develop and advance shared research projects.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The preferred start date of employment is 1 October 2024, and if possible, 1 September 2024.

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