Postdoctoral fellow in Computer science or computational biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Dr. Eran Elhaik led the compositional genomic analyses in over a dozen sequencing consortia, whose results were published in Science, Nature, PNAS, and Genome Research. Dr. Elhaik lab is famous for its population genomics and biogeographical research http://www.eranelhaiklab.org/and collaborates with hundreds of researchers from all over the world.

Postdoctoral fellow in Computer science or computational biology: Developing Machine learning tools to analyze the origins of Viking genomes

Subject description

Ancient DNA (aDNA) has changed the studies of history, enabling us to directly analyze early genetic variation. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the amount of collected aDNA and high-profile studies, but insufficient information about the timing and geographical origin has limited the usefulness of the collected data and resulted in many erroneous reports. The project aims to develop machine learning tools to predict the origins of the DNA material. The methods will be used to reconstruct the origin of Scandinavian Vikings. The candidate will work jointly with Dr. Eran Elhaik, Dr. Patrik Eden, and Prof. Eske Willerslev (at the University of Copenhagen) to develop statistical methods for paleogenomics.

Work duties

We aim to develop Machine Learning methods that date and biolocalize ancient genomes with application to Viking genomes and answer questions about their mysterious origins and whereabouts.

This is a multi-disciplinary project involving programming and modeling. In addition, the project will involve collaborations with researchers in other disciplines, including biomathematics, biostatistics, and molecular biology. The candidate is expected to have a strong grounding in programming in R and math/statistics.

The main duty involved in this position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 16% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

• The successful candidate will work on the above-outlined research projects. It is expected that she/he will actively and creatively develop and optimize the detailed methods to pursue the overall project goals and, after a training period, independently analyze genomic data using machine learning and other statistical methods
• All work will be carried out embedded in a collaborative research team, requiring sharing of expertise, open discussion of results and facilitating experiments of other team members
• Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer-reviewed publications
• Opportunities for the supervision of degree projects (Bachelor and Master) as well as co-supervision of Ph.D. projects may be provided
• The successful candidate is expected to actively seek independent research funding during the employment period, providing the opportunity to transition towards an independent researcher position
• Finally, the position may include limited duties in administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a Ph.D., or an international degree deemed equivalent to a Ph.D., within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Qualified must have training in mathematics, biostatistics, or statistical genetics and experience in analyzing large datasets. Candidates are also expected to have fundamental knowledge and experience with Machine Learning methods. Candidates are expected to have an interest in biology and human history. The candidate must have a degree in mathematics, biostatistics, statistical genetics, or a similar relevant subject and experience of conducting such research through a previous research assistant post or working towards a Ph.D. Applicants must have the ability to collaborate well and communicate scientific materials to non-scientists.

Additional essential requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Excellent programming skills in Python/R or a similar language
• Strong statistic skills and experience with ML methods.
• Knowledge of common ML frameworks
• Experience in analyzing qualitative and quantitative NGS data
• A track record of publishing peer-reviewed academic papers
• Evidence of ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a small team.
• Evidence of ability to organize resources, plan and progress work activities, and meet deadlines effectively and consistently
• Experience in adapting their own skills to new circumstances

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Consideration will be given to qualified candidates with good collaborative skills, drive, and independence.

Terms of employment

This is full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Cover letter (your background, why are you interested in the position, and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background, your goals, and start date)
• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• A general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• Contact information of at least three references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate and grades for the Ph.D., MSc, and BA studies

Candidates who satisfies the requirements would be further evaluated on programming and writing skills and, if successful, be invited for an interview.