The Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies is the largest archaeological research environment in Sweden. Both the research and the education at the Department comprise different areas and time periods. The Department consists of seven sections: Archaeology, Stockholm Numismatic Institute, Archaeological Research Laboratory, Osteoarchaeological Research Laboratory, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, the Centre for the Study of Cultural Evolution, and the Centre for Palaeogenetics.
Project description
The Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies is seeking a 3-year postdoctoral researcher in palaeogenomics with placement at the Centre for Palaeogenetics. The postdoc will join the First Contact project, funded through a grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The postdoctoral project is aimed at analyzing ancient DNA from large mammal remains dated to the Late Pleistocene, with a primary focus on woolly mammoths. The main goal of the project is to use state-ofe-the-art palaeogenomic sequencing coupled with radiocarbon time-series data to investigate whether, and to what extent, faunal demographic and genetic changes were correlated with the regional arrival of modern humans.
Main responsibilities
The position is mainly directed towards research and initiations of externally financed research projects. In addition, the holder is expected to participate in teaching and supervision of students (maximum 20 %) on basic and/or advanced levels. The position is mainly directed towards research, including recovering and analyzing ancient DNA recovered using high-throughput sequencing technologies, writing up the results for publication in scientific journals, and disseminating findings in media and at scientific conferences. It is also expected that the successful applicant will participate in the daily activities at the Centre for Palaeogenetics.
Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.
Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills within the subject area. A demonstrated track-record in wet lab analyses of ancient DNA is essential. An ability to handle high-throughput DNA sequencing data using scripts and analysis pipelines, as well as skills in bioinformatics and computational genomics, are considered as important merits. Knowledge in archaeology, palaeontology, evolutionary biology and/or ecology are also considered as merits. Since the position involves integration within a larger team of researchers and students, personal skills such as good collaborative and analytical skills, ability to work independently and take own initiatives, and a well-developed sense of responsibility are considered additional merits. A well-developed ability and track-record of oral and written communication in English is also considered an important merit.
Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from professor Love Dalén, love.dalen@zoologi.su.se and professor Anders Götherström, anders.gotherstrom@arklab.su.se.
Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
- Cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining why you are interested in, and suitable for, the position
- CV – including degrees and other completed courses, skills and work experience in laboratory and computational analyses, and a list of publications
- Copy of PhD diploma
Closing date: 15/04/2023
