진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Department of Biology
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen is offering a Postdoc position commencing 1st of July 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is offered within the Tissue Gene Regulation lab headed by Robert Krautz.

We are also advertising for a PhD Fellow position within the same area. Only one of the positions will be filled

Project description
The development of human tissues relies on the regulated activation of subsets of genes in tissue-specific cell types. Tens of thousands of short DNA-sequences called enhancers are spread across the human genome and regulate the extent to which genes are activated in different cell types. Despite their role, it has so far been impossible to measure activity levels of enhancers in single cells. Hence, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project aiming to establish a novel method to directly measure the activity of enhancers and promoters in single cells and apply it to disentangle the differentiation of cell types in developing tissues. This will allow to identify key gene regulatory mechanisms that define how cell types and tissues emerge.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and will include primarily experimental work (i.e., single cell method development, high throughput sequencing and library preparation, molecular biology, organoid culture). However, interest for or previous experience with single cell data analysis and statistical modeling are more than appreciated.

Formal requirements
We are looking for a genuinely motivated individual with a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a comparable field with extensive experience in experimental lab-work. Candidates expecting to complete their PhD before the start date of the position will also be considered. A strong background in RNA and chromatin laboratory work, sequencing library preparation and single cell technologies are expected from the candidate. Importantly, the applicant should have a strong interest in gene regulation and a desire to work on an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative project bridging single-cell genomics, genetics and developmental biology. Continuous scientific discussions and a strong dedication for ongoing research questions within the group and amongst collaborators also require proactive participation and enthusiasm for problem solving.

In particular, we are looking for candidates with the following background:

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a related discipline, with extensive post-graduate experience in experimental lab-work
• Documented experience in usage and preferably development or optimization of single cell methods
• Documented experience in preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries, sequencing method development and optimization
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English

Description of the group and the scientific environment
The Tissue Gene Regulation lab bridges the gap between gene regulatory mechanisms, transcriptional activation of enhancers and promoters in single cells on the one hand and the development of tissues and its dysregulation during disease on the other. For this, we devise new genomics methods and single cell techniques - both experimentally and computationally - to profile enhancers and promoters, model their activities and decode their interactions. In this way, we can pinpoint the time point and cell type where genetic variants begin to disrupt normal development – crucial information to develop new diagnostic approaches and identify therapeutic targets. As a young group in an established environment, we bring our great enthusiasm for science and for making a difference for future patients into an already established environment with all the necessary equipment and facilities. For more information, see http://tgrlab.org.

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab adheres to the #MentorFirst (see https://mentorfirst.org) principle that emphasizes the value of the researcher behind the work. A productive, successful project is an emergent property of motivated, well mentored lab members that feel freedom in and ownership of their projects. The hope is that empowered and successful lab members will continue contributing to academia and society with sound scientific work after their stint in the lab.

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab is based in a highly collaborative environment in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, which is currently composed of 13 strong research groups. The Department of Biology is located at the Biocenter in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Due to its proximity to the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) as well as the Faculty of Health and Medical Science, collaborations across disciplines, groups and institutes are a natural part of the efforts in the lab. We are especially connected to the Andersson lab in the same section due to our shared interest in gene regulation and several ongoing collaborations. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and computational infrastructures.

Principal supervisor is Assistant Professor Robert Krautz, Department of Biology, robert.krautz@bio.ku.dk.

Terms of employment
Duration is time limited for 36 months.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

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

Please include

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (BSc/MSc and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
• Reference letters (if any)

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

The deadline for applications is March 31st, 2025, 23:59 GMT+2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.