Post-doc position in skin mechanobiology

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 Aragona group starting November 2020 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

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 http://danstem.ku.dk/.

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, embryo tissue explants for live imaging during organ formation, transcriptomic and chromatin profiling at the single cell level. This research project will study the mechanisms by which the different compartments of the skin 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 1 November 2020, 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 implement lineage tracing techniques and transcriptomic profiling to identify key cellular and molecular players regulating stretch-mediated tissue expansion in vivo. By combining clonal analysis to study cell fates dynamics, whole tissue imaging, single cell RNA sequencing and chromatin profiling, the candidate will master the underlying principles of tissue architecture maintenance upon mechanical perturbations.

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 mouse genetics, cell and molecular biology and/or cell imaging. Alternatively candidates with a background in transcriptomic applied to animal models are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience using rodents as a research model, 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 1 November 2020 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is initially for 2 years with the possibility for renewal. The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority. Currently, the salary starts at 34.650 DKK/approx. 4,.650 Euro (April 2020-level). A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate ́s experiences and qualifications. In addition a monthly contribution of 17.1% of the salary is paid into a 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. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s).

Questions

For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, mariaceleste.aragona@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

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY below.

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.

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 

Application deadline: August 23, 2020, 23.59pm CET

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