2 PhD positions in human and pathogen Ancient DNA Analyses

The Research Group for Ancient DNA Analysis at the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany invites applications for two PhD positions in Ancient DNA Analysis.

In the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1266 Scales of Transformation – Human-Environmental Interaction in Prehistoric and Archaic Societies (http://www.sfb1266.uni-kiel.de/en), we are seeking highly motivated individuals to conduct ancient DNA research in prehistoric human populations using next generation sequencing (NGS). The focus is on the investigation of pathogen and human genomes. Both candidates will be involved in handling human skeletal remains, wet lab work (DNA extraction, NGS library preparation) and data analysis.

PhD position in pathogen evolution and human immunogenetics

The successful candidate will analyse metagenomic data to detect pathogens, to reconstruct their genomes and to trace the (evolutionary) history of infectious diseases. Additional emphasis will be on human immune genes (in particular HLA) and their pathogen-driven evolution.

PhD position in human immuno- and population genetics

The successful candidate will analyse genome-wide data to detect pathogen-driven selection signals in human immune genes and to correlate these signals with population genetic markers.

Your profile (for both positions):
– An MSc in a discipline relevant for the project (e.g. bioinformatics, biology, genetics, evolutionary genomics, ancient DNA analysis) is a prerequisite
– Great interest in working in a very interdisciplinary environment and in archaeological questions is a must
– Expertise in processing both human/non-human genomic data, programming, database curation and ancient DNA data analysis is advantageous
– A strong background in human or evolutionary genomics is desirable
– Very good written and spoken English is required

We offer:
– Exciting projects in the Research Group for Ancient DNA Analysis
– Exceptional infrastructure (Ancient DNA Lab, NGS, bioinformatics) in the Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology
– Integration into the interdisciplinary CRC 1266, stimulating collaborations with archaeologists, anthropologists and scientists from the bio- or geosciences

The contracts run until June 30, 2024 and start as soon as possible. The salary will be according to the German salary scale TV-L (PhD student 65%, German TV-L E13). For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ben Krause-Kyora (b.krause-kyora@ikmb.uni-kiel.de). Please submit your documents including a motivation letter, CV (both in English), certificates and contact details of two references as one pdf file (10 Mb max). Please state which of the two offered positions you prefer.
The application deadline is August 16, 2020. Please submit your application via the UKSH online platform.