Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Department of Genetics is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral Research Associate to start as soon as possible to work with Dr Yucheng Wang on the analysis of ancient environmental DNA (aeDNA).

In this project a very wide range of ancient sediment DNA samples from a mixture of agricultural and extreme environments will be sequenced.  The resulting aeDNA data will be analysed to help understand genetic and ecological responses to climate change, so as to inform development of more robust agro-ecosystems for the future.

The work will primarily cover computational biology development and analysis on large scale but extremely low coverage ancient metagenome data, with also occasional field work for sample collection. Specifically, it involves:

• collecting and pre-processing lake sediment and archeological deposit samples.
• using generated aeDNA data (both shotgun metagenomes and capture sequencing data) to reconstruct the early domestication process of crops in East Asia (rice and millet), identifying the traits and genetic variants under selection in the process, and retrieving lost genetic diversity from ancient material.
• developing and applying new computational methods to study the questions listed in 2.

The position involves intensive collaborations with University of Copenhagen, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Carlsberg Laboratory, and Wellcome Sanger Institute, among other AEGIS researchers and institutions.

Why join us? The position offers the opportunity to use cutting-edge technology to study the past in a way that has not been done before, and to contribute to a rising scientific paradigm. You will work with a world-leading team of scientists in a stimulating and supportive environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2026 in the first instance.

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Dr Yucheng Wang yw502@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PC44563 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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