Postdoctoral Researcher We are looking for a motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher with experience in ancient DNA and evolutionary genomics, who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary research environment. About the project Our project is part of a multidisciplinary and innovative framework focused on contrasting the genomic evolutionary histories of a pathogen,Yersinia pestis, and its human host. Yersinia pestis was responsible for the most-deadly epidemics in Eurasia in Medieval history, killing up approximately half of the European population by the mid-14th century. It was also the key pathogenic agent of the epidemics that raged in Provence between 1720 and 1722, which is not only well-documented by extensive historical archives, but also by a considerable number of human skeletons, uncovered through archaeological excavations. Combined, these archives offer a unique window into the genomic makeup of the pathogen and their victims, promising to gain unprecedented insights into the biological and social factors underlying virulence, disease susceptibility and resistance, potentially revealing biological inequalities amongst the population exposed. This project is a stepping stone to a larger joint project between UMR ADES and the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomic of Toulouse (CAGT, France). The selected Postdoctoral researcher will join the French A*midex project entitled "MPMH: memory of plagues, memory of humans", led by Dr Caroline Costedoat. Missions The ideal candidate will show first-hand experience in ancient DNA research, including for generating and analyzing next-generation DNA sequencing data. S/he and will have an established record of research achievements and publications and will be able to work in a highly international and multidisciplinary research environment.The postdoctoral researcher selected will dedicate 100% of his/her time to the project and will be in charge of its daily implementation. S/he will have the capacity to communicate his/her research progress to a team of experts in ancient DNA research and evolutionary genomics, as well as archeo-anthropologists and historian experts of the second plague pandemics. Administrative information The postdoctoral position corresponds to a two-year appointments, starting no later than 1st July 2024. The candidate will be recruited by Aix Marseille University and will take up his/her post in Marseille. However, he/she will be required to move to the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse for the remainder of the project mainly under the supervision of Dr Ludovic Orlando. To apply please send to Caroline Costedoat (caroline.costedoat@univ-amu.fr) and Ludovic Orlando (ludovic.orlando@univ-tlse3.fr): your CV, the names and contact details of three references, and a cover letter describing your research and training backgrounds, and your main strengths for making this collaboration a success. Those applicants showing the best profiles will be invited for an online interview. COSTEDOAT Caroline (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)