Postdoc in Computational Palaeoproteomics

Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2.5 year (30 months) fixed term and full-time position starting on the 1 November 2026, or immediately thereafter.

The Palaeoproteomics research group led by Professor Enrico Cappellini is looking for a highly competent, motivated, and dynamic postdoc,with demonstrated experience in computational palaeoproteomics, mass-spectrometry data analysis and scientific software development. The position will contribute to the development of high-throughput computational infrastructure for palaeoproteomics and targeted biological sex identification. It will support reproducible processing, quality control and interpretation of mass-spectrometry data and connect customer-facing sample management with traceable analytical workflows and research outputs.

Information on the department can be found at https://globe.ku.dk.

Our research

The molecular identification of fossil taxa and reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships connecting them remain central challenges in evolutionary research. The Palaeoproteomics group develops and applies mass-spectrometry-based methods to recover ancient protein sequences beyond the limits of ancient DNA preservation. The work will combine research-software engineering with computational analysis of DDA and PRM data from ancient and highly degraded protein samples. Close collaboration with laboratory scientists, archaeologists and external partners is central to the position. The candidate will work to develop scalable palaeoproteomic methods and high-throughput targeted proteomics. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary environment spanning palaeoanthropology, evolutionary biology, archaeology and mass spectrometry. The environment provides access to the University of Copenhagen's Mjolnir high-performance computing cluster, advanced proteomics expertise and active national and international collaborations.

Your job

The postdoc will develop, maintain and deploy scientific software and automated workflows for palaeoproteomics. Responsibilities include integrating order and sample metadata with analysis status and results; automating reproducible R-, Python- and Java-based processing on local and HPC infrastructure; analysing DDA data using database-search and de novo approaches; analysing targeted PRM data; improving and validating classification methods; documenting software and workflows; contributing to manuscripts and grant or translational activities; and participating in teaching and supervision.

Profile

We are looking for a collaborative and independent researcher who combines strong computational proteomics expertise with practical software-engineering skills. The candidate should be able to translate research requirements into reliable workflows and communicate results across disciplinary boundaries.

Essential experience and skills:

• A PhD in palaeoproteomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, archaeological science or a closely related field.
• Experience with computational analysis and interpretation of LC-MS/MS proteomics data.
• Experience with both data-dependent acquisition and targeted PRM analysis, using MaxQuant, Skyline or comparable tools.
• Proficiency in R or Python and Bash, including workflow automation in Linux or HPC environments.
• Experience developing database-backed scientific software or web applications using Java/Spring, Vaadin and PostgreSQL, or equivalent technologies.
• Experience with relational database design, sample and workflow traceability, and structured results management.
• Experience with reproducible software practices, including version control, testing, containerisation and continuous integration/deployment.
• Ability to document and communicate computational methods clearly in publications, technical documentation and presentations.
• Ability to work effectively with laboratory researchers, archaeologists, bioinformaticians and external collaborators.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver independent work to agreed deadlines.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with high-throughput targeted proteomics for biological sex identification from tooth enamel.
• Experience developing R Shiny applications and converting interactive analyses into unattended Rscript workflows.
• Experience with de novo peptide sequencing tools, such as InstaNovo, and comparison with database-search results.
• Experience validating classifications using independent evidence, such as aDNA results and manual spectrum inspection.
• Experience deploying secure, role-based production systems for internal or external users.
• Experience teaching or supervising palaeoproteomics, proteomics data analysis or research software.
• Experience contributing to successful grant applications, translational research or commercialisation activities.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, 1350 Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. The position provides access to computational infrastructure, including the Mjolnir HPC cluster, a dedicated windows server, and close interaction with the Institute's palaeoproteomics laboratories and mass-spectrometry research environment.

About Globe Institute

The Globe Institute is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Institute’s main purpose is to address basic scientific questions through interdisciplinary approaches. The institute operates at the intersection of natural and medical sciences and the humanities. Information on the institute can be found at: www.globe.ku.dk.

Globe Institute is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where employees and students can belong and thrive. See website for more information. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration. Candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, contribute to diversity and competencies of our Institute are encouraged to apply. The University of Copenhagen strives to offer a family friendly and flexible working environment with a sustainable balance between work- and private life, including parental leave schemes (up to 47 weeks for both parents) and up to six weeks of paid holidays per year. Researchers that have not been tax liable in Denmark for the last 10 years can apply for a special (reduced) tax scheme. The university offers a variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

There will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements based on qualifications. You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish).

Questions

For further information please contact Enrico Cappellini; ecappellini@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).

• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

• List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 13 September, 23.59pm CET.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt

Enrico Cappellini E-mail: lcw921@ku.dk

Info

Ansøgningsfrist: 13-09-2026 Ansættelsesdato: 01-11-2026 Arbejdstid: Fuldtid Afdeling/Sted: Globe Institute Indhold ikke tilgængeligt på grund af cookie-valg Du kan ikke se indholdet i dette felt på grund af dine cookie-valg.

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