Postdoctoral position in ancient DNA studies

CENTER FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCES (K.U.Leuven)

The aim of the project is to develop methodology for the analysis of ancient DNA of diverse biological origin (human, animal, plant and/or pathogens) in archaeological finds such as skeletons, coprolites,
ceramics and sediments. He/she will make use of the recently installed 454 Life Sciences GSFlex facility at the Center of Human Genetics. The project itself is not strictly defined and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to focus on some analytical aspects of ancient DNA or the analysis of ancient DNA data in an evolutionary or population genetic perspective. The project includes also collaboration with other disciplines within the Center for Archaeological Sciences. Currently research within the field of ancient DNA analysis is focused on the population genetics of past human populations at Sagalassos, a
Roman-Byzantine city in South-West Turkey, and the domestication of pigs in Anatolia during the Neolithic until the Iron Age.
We seek a candidate with a strong background in molecular biology, population genetics and/or evolutionary genetics. Experience with 454 Life Sciences technology, phylogenetics and/or phylogeography, including previous work in an ancient DNA laboratory, is beneficial but not a
prerequisite.
Applicants should send a letter of interest together with a CV, research interests and the names of 3 references to ronny.decorte@med.kuleuven.be
Funding is available until 30/09/2010.
Starting date is as soon as possible.
The University of Leuven (founded In 1425; www.kuleuven.be) is one of the oldest universities in Western Europe, and today the largest in Belgium. The Center for Archaeological Sciences (www.sagalassos.be/CAS/) is an interdisciplinary research centre aiming to provide archaeologists
(national and international) the opportunity for in-depth analysis of their finds with the help of several disciplines in exact and biomedical sciences, and engineering. Ancient DNA studies will be performed at the Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology (Department of Human Genetics and Department of Forensic Medicine - www.forensicgenetics.be).

Prof. Dr. Ronny Decorte
University Hospitals K.U.Leuven
Department of Human Genetics - Center for Forensic Medicine
Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology
Herestraat 49 - bus 602
3000 Leuven
BELGIUM