The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is looking for a qualified candidate for a PhD position in Bioinformatics.
In this position, you will develop algorithms and computational methods to deal with the analysis of large datasets from modern and ancient sources. More specifically, these algorithms will be aimed at analyzing human genomes from sedimentary DNA. The bioinformatics section of DTU Health Tech performs research in the areas of different metagenomics, machine learning, cancer genomics and population genomics.
Current bioinformatics algorithms and software are often ill-equipped to deal with DNA extracted from ancient soil samples. This ancient DNA shows high levels of fragmentation and accumulated chemical damage. Furthermore, ancient sediments often contain DNA from multiple species and often multiple individuals. Fortunately, several problems pertaining to ancient DNA can be described in a maximum-likelihood framework and computer science techniques can help us to solve such numerical problems efficiently via numerical algorithms and data structures. You will work in collaboration with other partners including the University of Copenhagen and McMaster University in order to develop the next generation of algorithms and software applied to DNA extract from fossils, ancient soils and sediments.
Qualifications You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree. Ideally, your degree should be in computer science, mathematics or biological science with a focus on quantitative and mathematical aspects.
More specifically you should ideally have the following qualifications:
- Knowledge of a programming language like Python, Perl, C++ and/or Java (C/C++ is preferred)
- Ability to work in a UNIX environment, ideally in a high-performance computing environment
- Thorough understanding of basic algorithms and data structures used in computer science
- Knowledge of probabilities and statistics
- Firm grasp of first-year university mathematics (differential calculus/linear algebra)
- Experience in bioinformatics and knowledge of metagenomics are a plus
- Expertise in next-generation sequencing data generation and processing are also a plus
The language of communication at DTU is English.
Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 14 June 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including an official description of the grading scale
- Link to a code portfolio stored in repositories like GitHub/bitbucket is not required but helpful
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Deadline: September 15th 2022
For more details contact Gabriel Renaud (gabriel.reno[@]gmail.com)