Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Department of Archaeogenetics

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig invites applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) at the Department of Archaeogenetics. 
We are looking for a motivated, innovative and independent postdoctoral researcher who enjoys working in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Who we are

The Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology is one of the leading institutions investigating fundamental questions in the evolution of humankind. We unite scientists with various backgrounds (natural sciences and humanities) who work together from an interdisciplinary perspective to gain insights into the history, diversity and capacities of the human species.

The Department of Archaeogenetics utilizes the recent advances in molecular approaches on biomolecules, such as stable isotope research and genome wide DNA sequencing, to uncover an entirely new spectrum of information that can be retrieved from sample repositories such as anthropological and archaeological collections. Our aim is to obtain detailed information about genetic relationships, geographical origin, selective processes or genetic structure of historic and prehistoric human, plant, animal or pathogen populations over time.

About the project

The position will be part of the Computational Pathogenomics Group led by Dr. Alexander Herbig and focus on the computational detection of pathogen DNA in sequencing datasets from ancient human remains as well as on the reconstruction of microbial genomes and extensive comparative genomics analysis. Research questions span from the identification of causative agents of past epidemic events to studying genome evolution of human pathogens.

Your qualifications and responsibilities:

• You hold a PhD degree (or be nearing completion) in biology, bioinformatics, computer science or a related field.
• Strong bioinformatics skills and previous experience in bacterial and/or viral genomics analysis are a requirement with a documented research profile reflected in publications in international journals.
• Experience in programming and software development are beneficial.
• Frequent publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals and presentations of papers at national and international conferences will be required.
• You are expected to take on the responsibility of supervising students and research assistants.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English are essential, enabling the candidate to present and discuss research results in a multidisciplinary and international team. Knowledge of German is not required, although we encourage and support learning German.
• We also expect a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.

What we offer:

• We offer research in an interdisciplinary and international team located at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany.
• The full-time position is available as soon as possible for an initial period of 2 years with the possibility of extension.
• Salary and social benefits will be in accordance with the pay scale of public services in Germany (TVöD-Bund, E 13), including the corresponding social benefits.
• Generous budget is offered to attend international conferences, visits or invite collaborators.
• The Max Planck Society offers flexible working hours, and active support of healthy work-life balance and a family-friendly working environment.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application materials including the following documents:

• a cover letter explaining your motivation to join our lab and a short description of your current research project(s)
• Curriculum Vitae
• letters of reference or contacts of two scientific references
• relevant certificates and diplomas
• reprints of two selected publications or writing samples

via the following link: Postdoc position

Applications will be considered until September 30, 2023.

The Max Planck Society and the Department of Archaeogenetics of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology are very committed to equal opportunities, diversity as well as gender equality. We actively support the compatibility of work and family and have set ourselves the goal of employing more severely disabled people as well as groups that are underrepresented in science and especially in the given field of activity. Therefore, we explicitly encourage them to apply and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Information about the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology can be found here: https://www.eva.mpg.de.

Further information:
Please direct any inquiries (no application) to Ms Franziska Pfab through archsec@eva.mpg.de.