A Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Metabolic Regulation of Chromatin States in Early Development at DanStem, University of Copenhagen

The Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Postdoctoral candidate to join the Zylicz group starting 15 July 2021 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The position is full time and for 2 years.

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem has been established as a result of a series of international recruitments coupled with internationally recognized research groups focused on insulin producing beta cells and cancer research already located at the University of Copenhagen. DanStem addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and has activities focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and chronic diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. Find more information about the Center at https://danstem.ku.dk/.

Our research

A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Jan Żylicz at DanStem. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of early mouse development and stem cell biology. The Żylicz group wants to understand how metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms cooperate to regulate transcription during early development. In particular, the team is interested in how metabolism regulates histone modifiers, and how these in turn affect lineage choice and embryo growth at around the time of implantation. To achieve this, the group utilizes both in vivo mouse models as well as in vitro stem cell culture systems and state-of the-art ultrasensitive transcriptomic, epigenomic and metabolomic techniques. This project will combine these methods with biochemical and mechanistic analysis in mouse and human stem cell models. Starting date for this position is the 1 July 2021, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding post-doctoral candidate with a strong background in either mouse and stem cell biology and/or biochemistry and metabolomics. The candidate will implement cutting-edge proteomic and metabolomic assays unravel how metabolism regulates chromatin states in mouse and human stem cells. By using functional assays in combination with live imaging and ultra-sensitive chromatin mapping and metabolomic techniques the candidate will get at the underlying principles of epi-metabolic regulation.

Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in life sciences
• Documented hands on experience in stem cell biology and/or metabolomics
• Good record of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Strong background in mouse genetics, cell biology and/or epigenetics. Alternatively candidates with a background in metabolomics applied to mammalian models are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience in metabolomics, bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing, mouse embryology and/or stem cell culture are considered an advantage.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

Terms of salary, work, and employment:

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34,622 DKK / approx. 4,655 Euro (February 2021-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

We encourage all – regardless of their personal background and status – to apply.

The application must include:

1. Motivation letter (It should describe your long-term research vision, the reason for applying to be part of our team and why you think you are the right candidate to fill this position)
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills
3. List of three references (full address, incl. email and phone number)
4. List of publications
5. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s)

Questions:

For further information contact Associate Professor Jan Zylicz, jan.zylicz@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

How to apply

Your online application must be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below. The closing date for applications is 14 May 2021.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Only applications received in time and consisting of the above listed documents will be considered.

Applications and/or any material received after deadline will not be taken into consideration.

The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

APPLY ONLINE

Assessment procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk 

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. It is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and is one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University´s eight faculties include Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Theology. www.ku.dk