The Archaeogenomics Group of the Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu, Estonia, is looking for a PhD Student in Human Population and Evolutionary Genetics.
Supervisor: Dr Alena Kushniarevich; co-supervisors: Dr Lehti Saag, Dr Georgi Hudjašov, Prof Kristiina Tambets
Deadline for application: 15 May 2026.
Salary: 2100 Eur gross (1733 EUR net) per month. The position is funded for four years.
Starting on: 1 September 2026 at the earliest.
Workload: 1.0
Title: Integrating ancient and modern genomes to study the evolution of complex traits
Summary of the Research Project
Recent advances in genomics and bioinformatics have enabled the integration of large-scale modern biobank data with time-stratified ancient human genomes, providing powerful tools for studying human evolutionary history and the genetics of complex traits. Improvements in genotype imputation for ancient genomes have substantially increased analytical power, facilitating more robust investigation of the evolutionary origins of modern genetic variation and disease susceptibility. By combining ancient genomic data with modern genome-wide association studies and polygenic scores, this doctoral project examines how the genetic architecture of complex traits has changed over time and aims to characterise the evolution of complex traits in the Eastern Baltic region over the past two thousand years through joint analysis of ancient and contemporary human genomes.
Who we are:
We are an international and highly motivated team fascinated by human evolution. We use information encoded in the genomes of modern and ancient humans and population genomic and evolutionary methods to reconstruct past demographic events and their consequences on today’s genetic and cultural diversity and human health.
More information about our group and research can be found here: https://genomics.ut.ee/en/content/estonian-biocentre
What we expect from the applicant:
- MSc degree in molecular biology, genetics, computer programming, archaeogenetics or related subjects.
- Strong programming skills: the applicant should be fluent in programming, well familiar with the Unix environment, and has strong skills in Python and R, as the project will be centered on genomic data processing and analysis.
- Deep interest in human population genetics.
- English: written and spoken level B and higher.
What we offer:
- A great opportunity for personal and professional growth within our international and dynamic team of researchers and students.
- An opportunity to learn new skills in the analysis and interpretation of large genomic data.
- A possibility to learn skills in ancient DNA generation (this includes wet lab techniques that can be acquired in our aDNA lab facilities).
- A friendly, supportive and inspiring working environment.
Get familiar:
About admission to doctoral studies: https://reaalteadused.ut.ee/en/node/111725
About Doctoral Study in Tartu University: https://ut.ee/en/doctoral-studies
About the group of ancient DNA: https://genomics.ut.ee/en/content/estonian-biocentre
About the Institute of Genomics of the University of Tartu: https://genomics.ut.ee/en
About Tartu: https://visittartu.com
About living in Estonia: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/
To apply for the position and to get more information, please write to Alena Kushniarevich (alena.kushniarevich@ut.ee) or Merilin Raud (merilin.raud@ut.ee).
