Call for Applications Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sedimentary Ancient DNA (Permafrost sedaDNA Postdoctoral Fellow) We invite applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) position associated with a new NSERC Alliance-funded collaboration between the McMaster Ancient DNA Centre and the Hakai Institute (Tula Foundation). This position will join a coordinated program to improve sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) methods and reconstruct past ecosystems from terrestrial permafrost and marine sediment archives, while helping to build the Canadian Ancient DNA (Can-aDNA) Network. This position will be a joint appointment between McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) and the Hakai Institute's Ancient DNA Lab on Quadra Island, BC (Canada). You will work closely with Dr. Hendrik Poinar (McMaster University) and Dr. Tyler Murchie (Hakai Institute), alongside collaborators Dr. Duane Froese at the University of Alberta, Cooper Stacey at Natural Resources Canada, and other partner institutions such as the Yukon Government, the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia. Project overview Our program aims to: - Experimentally improve/optimize sedaDNA workflows (extraction/purification, library preparation, capture enrichment, and metagenomic analysis) for terrestrial permafrost and marine sediments. - Use these improved methods to reconstruct long-term terrestrial and marine ecosystem dynamics across the Quaternary, focusing on Canadian relic permafrost deposits and Pacific marine cores around Vancouver Island and the Canadian Arctic. - Build the Canadian Ancient DNA (Can-aDNA) Network, a national platform for methodological sharing, training, and coordinated method comparisons/validation across Canadian ancient DNA labs. Focus: Metagenomic analyses of terrestrial permafrost cores from the Yukon, Alaska, and other regions of northern Canada, using sedaDNA to reconstruct Quaternary ecosystems and test methodological optimizations for DNA recovery and authentication. Example activities: - Work with permafrost cores from Canadian permafrost archives, including subsampling, DNA extraction, library preparation, and capture enrichment under strict ancient DNA protocols. - Optimize workflows for DNA release from organo-mineral complexes, inhibitor removal, and library preparation efficiencies for highly degraded, low-abundance DNA. - Apply and refine targeted capture approaches for plants, vertebrates, and other taxa to reconstruct past ecosystems and ecological transitions, including building in-house baits. - Integrate sedaDNA results with stratigraphic, geochronologic, and palaeoenvironmental data to address questions about biodiversity change, extinction, and adaptation through glacial-interglacial cycles. Responsibilities - Lead an independent but collaborative research program within your thematic area (permafrost, marine, or bioinformatics), including experimental design, data generation, analysis, and manuscript preparation. - Mentor and collaborate with PhD candidates and other trainees working on related sedaDNA projects (with 1-2 PhD and/or MSc students). - Contribute to the Can-aDNA Network, including organizing and moderating online seminars, helping coordinate annual symposia, and engaging with the national community through the online forum. - Spend time at both the Hakai Institute Biodiversity Genomics facilities on Quadra Island, BC (near the city of Campbell River on Vancouver Island) and McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario), and other collaborating institutions as needed. - Present research at national and international conferences and contribute to open, reproducible data and method sharing. Qualifications Required - PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant field such as ancient DNA, molecular ecology, biomolecular archaeology, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, marine science, Quaternary science, or a related discipline. - Demonstrated experience with ancient or environmental DNA and/or high-throughput sequencing data, with contamination control for the wet-lab-heavy roles, or with large-scale sequence data analysis and pipelines for the bioinformatics role. - Strong quantitative, analytical, and writing skills, with evidence of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage. - Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-institution, interdisciplinary team and to mentor junior trainees. Preferred: - Experience with permafrost, Quaternary geology, palaeoecology, or sedimentary archives; prior work with sedaDNA or ancient DNA strongly preferred. Terms and compensation - Appointment length: 2 years (with the possibility of extension subject to funding.) - Annual salary: CAD $70,000 plus benefits (provided in accordance with McMaster University guidelines.) - Postdoctoral fellows will be employees of McMaster University, working closely with and spending time at the Hakai Institute. - normal hours of work are 35 hours per week. How to apply Please submit the following as a single PDF file in MOSAIC: 1. Cover letter (1-2 pages) describing: - How your previous experience fits the project(s) and your research interests. - Your earliest possible start date and any constraints. 2. Curriculum vitae (including full publication list). 3. Contact information for 2-3 referees (no letters required at the initial stage). Review of applications will begin on [February 24, 2026] and continue until the positions are filled. Informal inquiries are welcome (please contact Dr. Hendrik Poinar poinarh@mcmaster.ca and Dr. Tyler Murchie tyler.murchie@hakai.org). . Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Employment Equity Statement McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information. Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact: Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679 to communicate accommodation needs. Hybrid Work Language To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests. Interview Experience At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest. Hendrik Poinar (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)