PhD student position in Population genomics of an Iron Age Goth community from eastern Poland. Laboratory of Paleogenetics and Conservation Genetics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. PI: Martyna Molak, PhD 3 years stipend (up to 4 years, if needed) Labwork and bioinformatics (in negotiable, flexible proportions) Starting around March 2026 Application deadline: 11 December 2025 Details: https://www.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cent-47-2025-doktorant_DOP.pdf Project title: All roads lead to¦ Masłomęcz. The cosmopolitanism and uniqueness of the Goth community of the late Roman Period Hrubieszow Basin in the light of fine-scale multidisciplinary analysis. Project description: The main aim of the project is to supplement archaeological knowledge about the Masłomęcz Group (an archaeological culture representing the Gothic peoples) with genomic data obtained from the anthropological material associated with the group. As a result of the proposed project we expect to provide: 1) the position the Masłomęcz group on the genetic map of Eurasia by determining their affinities to other earlier and contemporary groups, 2) give insight into the pattern of locating graves of different family members within and between burial grounds, 3) investigate the kin relatedness between persons and/or dismembered skeletal fragments buried together, 4) test the localness of the individualsʼ provenance, particularly the ones exhibiting burial practices atypical for Goths or grave goods typical of other cultures and infer where they migrated from, or whether in fact they were local people who had adopted some external customs, 5) determine connectivity level between particular subgroups utilizing different cemeteries as well as isolated graves; to name just a few. With the very high planned sampling density, we also predict to be able to reconstruct family trees, of at least a part of the community members. Key responsibilities include (in flexible proportions, depending on experience and preferences): - Extracting DNA from ancient anthropological material. - Preparing DNA sequencing libraries for sequencing on an Illumina platform. - Analysis of sequencing data, including population genomic analyses. - Active contribution to preparing data for scientific publications. Profile of candidates/requirements: The competition is open for persons who meet the conditions specified in the regulations on the allocation of resources for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Centre for OPUS 28 grant. - MSc degree in biology, archaeology or related discipline. The MSc degree should be obtained before the date of employment in the project. Other requirements: - Basic knowledge of molecular and population genetics, and/or bioarchaeology. - Ability to work in a group, curiosity, and motivation to learn. - Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary and international team. - Fluency in written and spoken English. Additionally appreciated: - Experience in work with ancient DNA. - Experience in high-throughput sequencing on Illumina platforms (i.e. DNA library preparations). - Knowledge of Linux operating system, - Familiarity with R or python programming language. - Familiarity with bioinformatic analyses of raw high-throughput DNA sequencing data and genomic analyses are highly valued. Required documents: see: https://www.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cent-47-2025-doktorant_DOP.pdf We offer: - work in a friendly and motivating working environment - participation in an exciting research project using the state-of-the- art research techniques - participation in scientific courses and conferences funded by the project - access to fully equipped ancient and modern DNA laboratories Please submit the following documents to: m.molak@cent.uw.edu.pl Application deadline: 11.12.2025 Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in person at the Centre for New Technologies, University of Warsaw, or online. The interviews will be held between 15 and 17.12.2025. Candidate selection will be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the National Science Centre. Date of announcing the results: 21.12.2025 Martyna Molak (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)