Postdoc in forensic genetics and complex samples

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Copenhagen seeks a three-year postdoctoral researcher in forensic genetics and complex samples, starting 15 December 2026 or soon after. The project focuses on DNA/RNA sequencing to resolve complex mixtures in forensic samples using short-read and long-read data.

The successful candidate will develop single-cell sequencing approaches and bioinformatic methods to deconvolute mixed profiles, contributing to research on low-quantity semen and rape cases.

Qualifications

• PhD in forensic genetics, computational biology, bioinformatics, genetics, molecular biomedicine or related field.
• Excellent English and communication skills, interdisciplinary work, travel for experiments abroad.

Responsibilities

• Publish scientific articles based on the research project.
• Participate in undergraduate teaching in forensic genetics.
• Attend national and international conferences and scientific meetings.

Skills

PhD in forensic genetics

Bioinformatics background

Programming (R/Python)

English fluency

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Illumina sequencing

Job description

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Postdoc in forensic genetics and complex samples

The Department of Forensic Medicine is offering a three-year postdoctoral researcher position, full-time.

The position is available from 15 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project Description

The postdoc will investigate the application of DNA and RNA sequencing for forensic applications.

The research focuses on both short-read and long-read DNA and RNA sequencing to resolve complex forensic samples.

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 DNA and RNA sequencing to obtain "clean" individual profiles.

The second approach focuses on exploring bioinformatic methods to "deconvolute" (untangle) DNA and RNA profiles when multiple donors are present in a single sample.

This research is part of a recently funded research project from Offerfonden 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.

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.

Certain tasks at the department may involve exposure to situations that can be psychologically demanding. To address this, the department provides various forms of support and assistance, including preventive measures.

Required Qualifications

As an applicant you must have:

• Obtained a PhD-degree (or have submitted a PhD for evaluation before starting date) in forensic genetics, 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 related discipline. Experience in the analysis of data from long-read sequencing i.e., Oxford Nanopore Technologies and short-read sequencing i.e., Illumina is highly advantageous. Additionally, proficiency in programming (e.g., R or Python) and an understanding of statistical data processing is desirable.

Job Description

Your key tasks as a postdoc at the Faculty are to:

• Write scientific articles on the grounds of your research project.
• Participate in the undergraduate teaching of students in forensic genetics.
• Participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings.

Terms of Employment

The position as a postdoc is available for a 3-year period full time.

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 42,108.17 + pension contribution for postdoc position.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is 15 December 2026 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Application Deadline

Deadline for applications: 15 October 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.

Contact

For further information please contact Associate Professor Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen; [e-mail]

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Contact

Jeppe Dyrberg Andersen

E-mail: [e-mail]

Application deadline: 15-10-2026

Employment start: 15-12-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Forensic Medicine

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion

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

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.