A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Mariaceleste Aragona at DanStem. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology and tissue architecture establishment and maintenance. Our group aims to understand how neighbouring cells coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function. In particular, we want to investigate how mechanical cues affect gene transcription, stem cells dynamics and fate decisions. To achieve this, the group utilizes lineage tracing in mouse models, mouse and human tissue-specific stem cells in vitro cultures in 2D and 3D, transcriptomic and chromatin profiling at the single cell level. This research project will study the mechanisms by which different epithelia cope with mechanical stress, as well as how they coordinate their own homeostatic behavior with the different neighboring cell types. Starting date for this position is the  February 1st 2022, 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 molecular biology. The candidate will develop protocols to generate and maintain 2D and 3D in vitro cell cultures from mouse primary stem cells and from tissue-specific human stem cells. The candidate also will implement techniques and transcriptomic profiling to identify key cellular and molecular players regulating homeostasis and the responses to mechanical cues e.g., stretching and compression.  By combining clonal analysis to study cell fates dynamics, imaging, single cell RNA sequencing and chromatin profiling, the candidate will master the underlying principles of tissue architecture maintenance upon mechanical perturbations.

About DanStem

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem – addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and translates results from basic research into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for diabetes and cancer. DanStem was 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.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD degree in cell/molecular/developmental/stem cell biology/ or similar, with a track-record of successful scientific work.
• Candidates should have a strong background in developing in vitro stem cell cultures and molecular biology and/or live cell imaging. Alternatively, candidates with a background in bioengineering applied to stem cells or organoids growth and/or mechanobiology are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience using stem cell culture, embryo explants and/or next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics are considered an advantage.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
• 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

The employment is planned to start February 1st 2022 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is full time for 2 years.

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 34,800 DKK/ approx. 4,670 Euro (April 2021-level). The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority. 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 December 11, 2019.

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. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

Questions:
For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, mariaceleste.aragona@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk

How to apply
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically via “Apply” below.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

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 applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Assessment procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Application deadline: November 7, 2021.

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