About the Research Group

The fellowship will be hosted in Laurits Skov’s research group at the Section for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Globe Institute. The team investigates the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and Denisovans, focusing on how fragments of their DNA remain in modern humans due to introgression events.

The group explores major evolutionary questions, including:

• How many archaic humans contributed to our genomes?
• How long did modern humans coexist with them?
• When did Neanderthals and Denisovans go extinct?
• How do their genes influence modern human health and traits?
• Which genomic regions are uniquely human?

The research combines population genetics, computational method development, and archaeology in an interdisciplinary framework.

Project Description

As a PhD fellow, you will:

• Develop new computational methods to study archaic introgression.
• Apply these tools to the largest human genomic dataset (>1.1 million individuals).
• Infer evolutionary parameters such as:
  • Mutation rates
  • Generation times
  • Admixture history with archaic humans
  • Historical population sizes
  • Selective forces shaping genomes
• Investigate how frequently archaic and modern humans interacted and where.
• Use biobank data to analyze the impact of archaic DNA on human health and phenotypes.

This project bridges genomic research with medical applications, offering unique training in cutting-edge population genetics.

Supervisors

• Principal Supervisor: Associate Prof. Hannes Schroeder
• Co-Supervisor & Contact: Assistant Prof. Laurits Skov (laurits.skov@sund.ku.dk | +45 35 32 00 23)

Position Details

• Start Date: January 1, 2026 (or soon after)
• Duration: 3 years
• Workload: 37 hours per week
• Location: Globe Institute, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark
• Application Deadline: September 28, 2025 (23:59 GMT+2)

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent to a Danish MSc) in:

• Population Genetics
• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Biology
• Computer Science
• Statistics
• Or related areas

Additional requirements:

• Strong academic performance and GPA
• Relevant professional qualifications or publications
• Programming and computational analysis experience
• Interest in human evolutionary genetics and archaic humans
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

About the Globe Institute

The Globe Institute is an interdisciplinary research hub at the University of Copenhagen that integrates natural sciences, medical sciences, and humanities.

Benefits of joining include:

• A dynamic and international research environment
• Collaborative and inclusive working conditions
• Family-friendly policies, including up to 47 weeks of parental leave and six weeks of paid vacation annually
• Relocation services for international researchers and families

Salary and Employment Conditions

• Monthly salary: 30,841 DKK (approx. €4,131) – April 2025 level
• Pension included
• Terms follow the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
• Employment is contingent on enrolment in the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted electronically and include the following documents (PDF format):

1. Motivated application letter (max 1 page)
2. CV (with education, experience, and language skills)
3. Certified MSc diploma and transcripts (with English translation if applicable)
4. Publication list (if available)

Deadline: September 28, 2025, at 23:59 GMT+2

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the focus of the PhD project?
The project develops computational tools to study archaic introgression and applies them to large-scale human genomic data.

2. What background is required?
A Master’s in population genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, or related fields.

3. Is programming experience necessary?
Yes. Computational analysis and method development are key components.

4. Where will the fellowship be based?
At the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen.

5. What is the salary?
30,841 DKK/month (approx. €4,131) plus pension.

6. When is the deadline?
September 28, 2025.

This cutting-edge research is part of the National Research Program (NRP82): Future-proofing freshwater ecosystems across Switzerland. The selected PhD candidate will play a central role in transforming how aquatic biodiversity is monitored using high-throughput eDNA-based tools.

About the Research Project: Future-Proofing Swiss Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater habitats are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. Traditional ecological monitoring methods are often outdated and inefficient. This PhD project aims to overcome these limitations by using eDNA metabarcoding and high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to monitor aquatic ecosystems in real-time.

Key Objectives:

• Develop and apply advanced eDNA metabarcoding protocols
• Generate national-scale biodiversity indicators
• Build real-time sampling and monitoring toolkits
• Collaborate with key stakeholders like FOEN/BAFU and cantonal authorities
• Inform Swiss national environmental policies and conservation strategies

PhD Responsibilities

As a PhD researcher in this program, your work will include:

• Leading field sampling campaigns across surface and groundwater ecosystems in Switzerland
• Conducting molecular laboratory work for eDNA analysis
• Analyzing HTS data and contributing to bioinformatics pipelines
• Designing and refining tools for integration into national monitoring frameworks
• Participating in stakeholder workshops to develop actionable ecological insights

Ideal Candidate Profile

To qualify, applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in Molecular Ecology, Ecology, Microbiology, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with eDNA, HTS, and bioinformatics
• Familiarity with ecological theory and biodiversity data analysis
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English
• Proficiency in German or French and a valid driver’s license (strongly preferred)
• A strong interest in applied environmental research and stakeholder collaboration

What’s Offered

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position (Start: October 2025 – January 2026)
• Supervision by Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt (Eawag & University of Zurich)
• Co-supervision by Marie-Sophie Renevier (FOEN/BAFU)
• Dual affiliation with Eawag (Dübendorf) and University of Zurich
• Enrollment in the prestigious Life Science Zurich Graduate School – Ecology Program
• Access to world-class research infrastructure and international collaboration
• An opportunity to directly impact Switzerland’s freshwater conservation strategies

Program & Location Details

• Location: Dübendorf/Zurich, Switzerland
• Duration: 4 years
• Graduate Program: Life Science Zurich PhD Program – Ecology
• Start Date: Between October 2025 and January 2026
• Application Deadline: 13 August 2025

How to Apply

Submit your application online only via the official portal ( Apply Here).

Required documents (combine into a single PDF):

• A motivational letter explaining your fit for the position
• A detailed CV with contact details
• Copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
• Contact information for three academic referees

Note: Email applications will not be considered.

For further information, visit www.altermattlab.ch or contact Prof. Dr. Florian Altermatt directly.

Why Choose Zurich for Your PhD?

Zurich is one of the world’s top cities for academic excellence and quality of life. As a PhD student, you’ll enjoy:

• A vibrant, international research environment
• Proximity to the Swiss Alps and diverse outdoor activities
• Excellent public transportation and urban infrastructure
• A culturally rich and sustainable city

Commitment to Diversity

Eawag and the University of Zurich are committed to diversity, equity, and gender inclusion. Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals underrepresented in ecology and environmental sciences.

Contribute to Real-World Environmental Change

This PhD opportunity is more than just academic training—it’s your chance to:

• Advance the science of eDNA monitoring
• Influence national environmental policy
• Help protect freshwater biodiversity in a rapidly changing world

Ready to make an impact in aquatic ecology and conservation? Apply now and become part of the next generation of environmental changemakers.