Pre-doc fellow in stem cell biology and epigenomics

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Research assistant subsequent appointed as PhD fellow to join the Żylicz group starting July 2021 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

The position as Research assistant is for 1 year. The position as PhD fellow is for 3 years.

This 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 research project will employ a multi-disciplinary approach to understand how first lineage choices are influenced by metabolic and chromatin states. Starting date

for this position is the 1 July 2021, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious pre-doctoral candidate with a strong educational background in either stem cell and developmental biology and/or metabolomic research and/or bioinformatics. The candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling first lineage choice of early development using both in vivo and in vitro stem cell models. By employing genomic engineering methods the candidate will go beyond description of epigenetic and metabolic states and uncover novel functional regulatory mechanisms at the interplay of epigenetics and metabolism.

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 master’s degree in biotechnology, bio-informatics, biology or similar, and possess a strong background in developmental and stem cell biology and/or metabolomics and/or bioinformatics.
• Previous practical experience in bioinformatics, analysis of epigenomic data and/or software programming is considered of great advantage.
• Previous experience using rodents as a research model, stem cell culture, embryogenesis and/or next-generation sequencing are considered an advantage.
• Practical project experience in basic lab techniques is considered beneficial.
• 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 diverse and collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

Terms of salary, work, and employment:

The employment is for 4 years, as research assistant is for 1 year and as PhD fellow for the following 3 years, and is scheduled to start in July or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment as a PhD student is conditioned upon a positive assessment of the candidate ́s research performance and enrolment in the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). In addition to the basic salary a monthly contribution to a pension fund is added (17.1% of the salary).

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with the ministerial orders from the Ministry of Education on the PhD degree and the University ́s rules on achieving the degree.

The place of work is at DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen.

Questions:

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

The application must include:

1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills
3. List of two references (full address, incl. email and phone number)
4. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s)

How to apply

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

Application deadline: 21 February 2021

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

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