Postdoctoral position in Palaeo-population genomics at the Center for the Human Past

The research will be conducted within the Human Evolution Program at the Department of Organismal Biology (Human Evolution - Uppsala University ) You will work in a broad research program ranging from population genetics to human evolution. As a postdoctoral researcher at the Center of Excellence, Center for the Human Past (Center for the Human Past – Bridging genetics, archaeology & linguistics to explore human history in the last 10,000 years, you will collaborate with other postdoctoral fellows and PhD students in an international work environment.

Center for the Human Past 

The CHP is a pioneering initiative that unites the three research areas of archaeology, genetics, and linguistics. Each discipline has accumulated significant amounts of information and developed many different research methods to analyse these. Researchers at the center will focus on bringing together these unique types of data and methods to strengthen the interdisciplinary development of the field. A central goal for the center is to train a new generation of students and doctoral candidates with skills and insights into the various theoretical models and analytical methods used across these research areas, as well as the ability to work with the databases under development. The aim of the center is to illuminate and understand various aspects of human development over the past 10,000 years, thereby creating a comprehensive picture of human prehistory regarding language, culture, and genetic evolution in Africa, Oceania, and Eurasia.

Duties

The postdoc will conduct research on the human past, using palaeo-population genomic approaches. The postdoc will use “ancient DNA” techniques, population genomics principles, and computer-based analysis methods. The research will include investigating aggregated data from genetics, archaeology and linguistics

Requirements

PhD degree in Population genetics, Bioinformatics, Archaeogenetics or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

• Proven experience and ability to work with palaeogenomics techniques, including computer-based analysis methods.
• The applicant should have demonstrated independence and high research quality through high-quality research publications.
• Very good oral and written skills in English are required.
• Being able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others is necessary.
• Great emphasis will be placed on personal characteristics, hence interviews and reference check may be included in the selection process.

Additional qualifications

• Previous studies in population genetics and/or archaeogenetics involving Africa, Oceania, and Eurasia, or a combination of studies from these areas, are desirable.
• Knowledge of and skills in mathematics, computational methods, and statistics will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the principles of open science, especially regarding the production of open and reusable research data.
• Experience of working in international and interdisciplinary research contexts is desirable.

About the employment

The position is temporary for two years according to the central collective agreement. The extent is full-time. Entry 15 February 2026 or according to the agreement. Location: Uppsala

The position may include teaching and supervision up to 20% of full-time.

Inquiries about the employment are provided by: (Mattias Jakobsson, +46701679757, mattias.jakobsson@ebc.uu.se)

The application should include a CV and a personal letter describing the applicant and their qualifications, research interests, and publication list. Copies of relevant degrees, a copy of the applicant's doctoral thesis or a draft of this. We would like you to provide information for at least two references.

Welcome to submit your application by 15 December 2025, UFV-PA 2025/3370.

Why you should come and work in Sweden - Uppsala University