Post-doctoral Position in Ancient Pathogen Genomics

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, invites applications for a post-doctoral position focused on reconstructing ancient pathogen genomes from archaeological bone samples. The project combines metagenomic screening, reference-based and de novo assembly, and comparative analyses with modern genomes to understand pathogen evolution and human history.

Candidates should have a PhD and strong bioinformatics skills; experience with recombining organisms and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline is required.
• Strong bioinformatics skills and experience with metagenomic data.
• Experience with recombining organisms preferred but not essential.
• Experience supervising or mentoring students is desirable.
• Ability to present findings clearly in oral presentations.

Responsibilities

• Reconstruct ancient pathogen genomes from archaeological contexts.
• Computationally detect ancient pathogen DNA in large metagenomic datasets.
• Perform reference-based or de novo genome assembly.
• Conduct comparative analyses with modern bacterial genomes.
• Collaborate with team members and mentor students as needed.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics

Statistical methods

Oral presentation

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Bioinformatics/CS/Population Genetics

Job description

Post-doctoral Position in Ancient Pathogen Genomics

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Leipzig, Germany

Job Description

We seek to fill a position at the post-doctoral level with a focus on the reconstruction of ancient pathogen genomes from archaeological contexts. The work will involve computational detection of ancient pathogen DNA in large metagenomic datasets, genomic reconstruction via either reference-based or de novo assembly approaches, and extensive comparative analyses integrating data from large collections of modern bacterial genomes. Data will draw upon archaeological bone from the Neolithic to post-Medieval periods, and will cover a broad geographical expanse, with an emphasis on Eurasian and American populations. Strong bioinformatics skills and a working knowledge of basic statistical methods are required. Prior experience in working with recombining organisms is preferred but not essential. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (microbiology, biology, bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, population genetics, etc.) and share an interest in human history. Competence in oral presentation is an asset, and experience with supervising or mentoring students is desirable.