Postdoctoral Researcher in comparative genomics and machine learning for plant biology

The EvOmics group at Aarhus University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary project that combines plant genomics, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology. The position is based at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Irene Julca. The position is offered as a two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension, and is available from 1 March 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Climate change is increasing the need to develop crops that can withstand drought, heat, salinity, and other environmental stresses. However, identifying the genes underlying these complex traits remains challenging. This project will combine plant genomics, artificial intelligence, and evolutionary biology to integrate multi-omics and functional information across plants and identify genes associated with stress resilience.

The position is part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Emerging Investigator grant project “Driving innovation in crop resilience through Comparative QTLomics.” The selected candidate will contribute to five main objectives:

1. Apply large language models (LLMs) to collect, extract, and standardise functional information

2. Develop computational tools that integrate evolutionary and functional information using comparative genomics and deep learning approaches

3. Apply these methods across different crops to identify conserved patterns of stress resilience

4. Identify candidate genes associated with key agronomic traits related to resilience

5. Contribute to software and web development

• PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
• Strong experience with programming in Python, R, or similar languages
• Background in machine learning or deep learning methods, including Graph Neural Network (GNN)
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs) applied to biological data collection, extraction, and standardization
• Knowledge of multi-omics integration and plant biology is an advantage
• Familiarity with large biological datasets and high-performance computing is desirable
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Proficient in written and spoken English

The Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (QGG) is an innovative and interdisciplinary center for research and education in quantitative genetics and quantitative genomics (http://www.qgg.au.dk/en). QGG is an international organisation with 70 employees and visiting researchers from more than 20 countries. We perform basic and applied research within plant, livestock, and human quantitative genetics. Our focus areas include quantitative genetics, artificial intelligence applied to agriculture and precision medicine, population genetics, and integrative genomics. QGG is located at the central campus in Aarhus and at the AU Flakkebjerg campus in newly renovated offices with well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories, equipment, and high-performing computing clusters.

• A welcoming and collaborative environment emphasizing teamwork, professionalism, equality, and work-life balance
• Mentoring for career development
• Access to high-performance computational resources (with GPUs)
• A collaborative environment across research fields, including plant biology, quantitative genetics, and population genetics
• Opportunities for collaboration and research visits with project partners
• Participation in international conferences and workshops

The place of work is C.F. Møllers Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Your application must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Motivation letter
• Two recommendation letters

Applications must be received no later than 12 October 2026.

For further information, please contact: Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Irene Julca, irene.julca@qgg.au.dk.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Technical Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.