PhD position: Air Forensics: Combining human and non-human environmental DNA

Primary Supervisors: Leonardo M. Díaz Nieto, Henk R Braig

Duration: 36 months

Project Description: The specific task of this PhD position is to develop a forensic air sampling method, protocol, and device for combined human and non-human environmental DNA, to collect and sequence samples for air-borne human and non-human eDNA, and to process sequences for analysis in a forensic context. The expected outcome is the validation of a method in simulated crime scenes.

Funding: Doctoral Network "Natural Traces", Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, European Commission.

Secondment: University of Potsdam, Germany and/or Anath Genomic Consultants AB in 3rd year of PhD, up to 3 months

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics or in related sciences; no previous PhD. Candidates can hold any nationality but must have spent not more than 12 months in Argentina in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Informal inquiries: henkbraig@unsj-cuim.edu.ar, ldiaznieto@unsj-cuim.edu.ar

Anticipated start date: 01 November 2025

Application deadline: 28 October 2025 or until position filled

If you are interested in applying, please send an e-mail to henkbraig@unsj-cuim.edu.ar including a one-page statement, not longer, written either in English or Spanish, outlining your interest in this project, your career aspirations, your language skills in Spanish and English, the name, relationship to you, and address including e-mail of two recommenders willing to serve as an academic reference for you, and your CV. Applicants that have been shortlisted, will be invited to an online interview.