The Faculty of Science at the University of Turku, Department of Biology, invites applications for a contract-based, fixed term doctoral researcher/project researcher position in archaeogenomics. The candidate will study the genomic landscape of uniparentally-inherited haplogroups (Y-chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA) in Finland using both ancient and modern DNA. Analytical approaches will include population genetic and evolutionary modelling techniques. The employment period is 1.1.2027 – 31.12.2027 (first 12 months of funding secured). The successful candidate will be actively helped by the supervisory team in writing grants to secure the remaining funding.

The position is part of the Human Diversity Center of Excellence research consortium, funded by the Research Council of Finland. Human Diversity brings together research teams from across different faculties to study how human contacts, past environments, and communication networks influence material and immaterial culture, genes, disease burden, transgenerational effects, the evolutionary fitness of people, and languages. Additionally, the researcher will have a guest affiliation at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVA) in Leipzig, Germany: one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary institutes in studying the human past. Researchers will have access to MPI-EVA’s computing infrastructure as well as the opportunity to undertake research visits to MPI-EVA.

Job description

The researcher will study the genomic landscape of uniparentally-inherited haplogroups (Y-chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA) in Finland using both ancient and modern DNA. Analytical approaches will include population genetic and evolutionary modelling techniques. Projects can include, amongst others: (1) investigating temporal and geographical variation in Y-chromosome diversity in pre-modern (pre-20th century) Finland; (2) forecast modelling of uniparental haplogroup evolutionary dynamics using SLiM3; (3) using uniparental haplogroups to understand sex biases in the peopling of Finland. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr Ronan James O’Sullivan (UTU, MPI-EVA), Dr Adam B. Rohrlach (MPI-EVA, Adelaide University), and Prof. Päivi Onkamo (UTU). In addition to the supervisory team, the candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the Human Diversity consortium and researchers at MPI-EVA in Leipzig.

Who we are looking for

The applicant should hold a Master’s degree in evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, genetics, mathematics, or other relevant field (completed before the application period ends). Experience of the following topics is desirable but a lack of experience in one topic would not preclude an otherwise suitable candidate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal soft skills.

• Strong computational and analytical skills (relative fluency in R, Julia, Mathematica, bash, etc. is viewed positively).

• Experience working with ancient DNA, dense modern Biobank datasets, or NGS data of any kind (non-human study species as well).

• Fluency in oral and written English.

In addition, when acquiring their degree or otherwise, a doctoral researcher is required to have demonstrated the ability and motivation to undertake postgraduate studies and the capacity to complete a doctoral degree in accordance with the research plan.

To be eligible for the position of doctoral researcher, you must have a study right for doctoral studies from the University of Turku. If the successful candidate does not hold a study right from the University of Turku before the application deadline, the position will initially be filled as a project researcher and the successful candidate will be expected to apply for the right to study in the next possible postgraduate search. Read more about the University of Turku's doctoral programmes and how to apply for study rights: Join us for your doctoral studies at the University of Turku! | University of Turku

The qualification requirements for doctoral researchers are set in the University of Turku Rules of Procedure

We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.