The position
A postdoctoral stipend is available to study the paleogenomics of the Silk Roads. The position is sponsored by the Carl Trygger Foundation to the laboratory of Dr. Erna Elhaik at Lund University in the Department of Ecology. The Department of Biology is part of the Faculty of Science has approximately 1500 students, 330 PhD students and 700 employees.
Project description
Ancient DNA (aDNA) has changed history studies, enabling us to analyze early genetic variation directly. The project aims to develop machine learning tools to predict the origins of ancient DNA material and use them to reconstruct the genetic history of the populations along the Silk Roads. The candidate will work jointly with Dr. Eran Elhaik to develop AI-based methods for paleogenomics that can be used to reconstruct migration routes.
Work duties
We aim to develop machine learning methods that localize ancient genomes with an application to ancient people found along the Silk Roads to answer questions about their origins and whereabouts.
This is an interdisciplinary project involving programming and modeling. In addition, the project includes collaborations with researchers in other disciplines, including biomathematics, biostatistics, and molecular biology. The candidate is expected to have a solid grounding in programming in R, Python, and mathematics/statistics. The main duty involved in this position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 16% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.
• The successful candidate will work on the above-outlined research project. It is expected that they will actively and creatively develop and optimize the detailed methods to pursue the overall project goals and, after a training period, independently analyze genomic data using machine learning and other statistical methods. • All work will be carried out in a collaborative research team, requiring the sharing of expertise, open discussion of results, and the facilitation of experiments by other team members. • Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications. • Opportunities for the supervision of degree projects (Bachelor and Master) as well as co-supervision of Ph.D. projects may be provided. • Finally, the position may include limited administrative duties related to the work duties listed above.
Eligibility requirements
Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a Ph.D., or an international degree deemed equivalent to a Ph.D., within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last application date. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. Qualified must have training in machine learning, mathematics, biostatistics, or statistical genetics and experience analyzing large datasets. Candidates are also expected to have fundamental knowledge and experience with Machine Learning methods. Candidates are expected to have an interest in biology and human history. The candidate must have a degree in mathematics, biostatistics, statistical genetics, or a similar relevant subject and experience conducting such research through a previous research assistant post or working towards a Ph.D. Applicants must have the ability to collaborate well and communicate scientific materials to non-scientists.
Additional essential requirements:
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English. • Excellent programming skills, at least in bash, Python, and R. • Strong statistic skills and experience with ML methods. • Knowledge of common ML frameworks • Experience in analyzing qualitative and quantitative NGS data • A track record of publishing peer-reviewed academic papers • Evidence of ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a small team. • Evidence of ability to organize resources, plan, and progress work activities, and meet deadlines effectively and consistently. • Experience in adapting their own skills to new circumstances.
Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Consideration will be given to qualified candidates with good collaborative skills, drive, and independence. Candidates who satisfied the requirements would be further evaluated on programming and writing skills and, if successful, be invited for an interview.
Terms of the stipend
The position is a full-time stipend and costs for the second year are only available after submission and approval from the funding Foundation based on a brief statement (1-2 pages) of the first year’s activities. Note that this is a tax-free stipend. The starting date of the position is planned to be March 1, 2025 or by agreement.
Application
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:
• Cover letter (your background, why you are interested in the position, and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background, your goals, and start date) • Résumé/CV, including a list of publications, • A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages), • Contact information of at least three references, • Copy of the doctoral degree certificate and grades for the Ph.D., MSc, and BA studies.
Email a single PDF to: eran.elhaik@biol.lu.se
Dr. Eran Elhaik led the compositional genomic analyses in over a dozen sequencing consortia, whose results were published in Science, Nature, PNAS, and Genome Research. Dr. Elhaik's lab is famous for its population genomics and biogeographical research http://www.eranelhaiklab.org collaborates with hundreds of researchers from all over the world.
