7 PhD Fellowships at Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen

7 PhD Fellowships at Centre for Epigenetics

Going into its second period of 5 years, the Centre for Epigenetics has 7 PhD Fellowships open for candidateswith ambitions to do research in this steadily growing field. The fellowships are divided among the centre´s five research groups located at Dept. Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Southern University of Denmark and BRIC, University of Copenhagen.
 
The over-all goal for the Centre´s research is to elucidate how epigenetics contributes to the regulation of a diverse array of cellular processes, such as transcription, DNA replication and genomic stability and to biological processes such as cell fate decisions, differentiation and normal development. The Centre brings together complementary techniques and expertise covering sophisticated biochemical methods, refined techniques for studying stem cell function, frontline methods in proteomics, high-throughput genetic methods for mammalian cells, C. elegans genetics and mouse models.
 
More about Centre for Epigenetics on our website www.epigenetics.dk
 
Project 1:  Histone Dynamics (Groth Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to develop a technology to isolate target complexes from chromatin and map chromatin environment. We are particularly interested in the histone chaperone ASF1 and its interplay with the replicative helicase MCM2-7 in replication and fork repair.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/groth_group/
Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement
 
Project 2:  Chromatin Replication (Groth Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to dissect novel mechanisms acting to restore the chromatin landscape after DNA replication and understand how epigenetically defined chromatin domains are transmitted to daughter cells. The lab has taken a proteomics approached to study chromatin replication and this project will involve functional characterization of new factors identified on newly synthesized chromatin. This project is part of the ERC-stg-2011-CHROMATINREPLICATION.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/groth_group/
Start: Preferably Spring 2013 or after agreement
 
Project 3:  Structural and Functional Characterization of Post-translational Modifications of Proteins (Jensen Group, SDU)
The aim of this project is to develop mass spectrometry based tools for structural and func¬tio-nal characterization of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. In particular, we will focus on the role of multiple, combinatorial PTMs in defining protein activity and interactions, and in the signaling of regulatory networks in the cell. We will apply state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and bioinformatics tools to localize and quantify PTMs in signaling proteins and in chromatin binding proteins, including histones.
 
More about the group on www.sdu.dk/bmb/research/olejensen
Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement
 
Project 4:  Signalling to Chromatin (Hansen Group, BRIC)
The aim of this project is to obtain a better understanding of how signalling pathways affect chromatin structure and gene expression through chemical modifications of histones and chromatin associated protein complexes. We are particular interested in the mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (Msk and Jnk) and their impact on cell fate decisions.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/hansen_group/
Start: Preferably Fall 2012.
 
Project 5:  Chromatin Factors in C. elegans (Salcini Group, BRIC)
The aim of the project is to unravel the role of histone methyltransferase and histone de-methylase under stress conditions and during postembryonic development. Both genetic and biochemical approaches will be applied. We use C. elegans as a model system and previous experience in the system is advantageous but not strictly required.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/salcini_group/
Start: Preferably Fall 2012 or after agreement
 
Project 6:  Cancer and Epigenetics (Helin Group, BRIC)
The lab is performing several functional screens to identify chromatin-associated genes with a role in the development of human cancer. The PhD fellow will be responsible for the determination of the biological and biochemical function of some of the identified hits.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/helin_group/
Start: Preferentially Fall of 2012 or thereafter
 
Project 7:  Stem Cell Biology and Epigenetics (Helin Group, BRIC)
The Polycomb group proteins are key regulators of cell fate decisions during development and differentiation. The lab has through the last 10 years contributed significantly to the under-standing of the molecular mechanisms by which the Polycomb group proteins exert their control. The PhD project will deal with our on-going efforts to understand the function of the various Polycomb group proteins.
 
More about the group on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/helin_group/
Start: Preferably Spring 2013 or after agreement.
 
Qualifications
We are looking for highly motivated, ambitious candidates with:

• A Master of Science*) in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or in a related field
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or epigenetics
• Interest and/or knowledge in epigenetics and/or proteomics

 
It is a condition that the candidate´s MSc is equivalent to a full Danish Master of Science (typically of 5 years). In case of doubt, the Danish Agency for International Education (www.iu.dk/eng) may be asked to evaluate the degree.
 
Place of employment and work
The employment in Jensen Group (project no. 3) will be at Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at University of Southern Denmark. The employment for the rest of the project is at BRIC, University of Copenhagen. At both places we offer stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environments with a variety of activities like seminars, data clubs, core facilities, PhD programmes etc. The Centre´s scientists meet regularly for seminars and to discuss projects and collaborations between the groups.
 
Terms of salary and employment
The appointment as PhD fellow is for 3 years. It is conditioned upon the candidates´ successful enrolment in a PhD programme.
 
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.
 
Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 25.300 DKK (ca. 3.400 EUR) plus pension.
 
Specific for projects at BRIC
The candidate´s successful enrolment as PhD fellow requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the candidate her-/himself during an initial short-term employment as research assistant.
 
Application - project 3 at SDU
Regarding how to apply, please contact Ole N. Jensen Jenseno@bmb.sdu.dk or find info via the advertisement on
http://www.jobs.sdu.dk/index.php?fakultet=naturvidenskab&vis=eng
 
Application - projects at BRIC
Your application should be submitted electronically by clicking "Apply online" below; alternatively, via the Centre´s website www.epigenetics.dk. The application must include the following documents/attachments:
1. Motivated letter of application (max 1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills
3. Certified copy of Master of Science degree certificate (max 1 page). If MSc is not yet accomplished, a confirmation of the date for completion from the supervisor will do.
4. Publication list (if possible)
NB! Remember to clearly state in your motivated letter, which of the PhD projects that have your specific interest!
 
Furthermore, the applicant should provide two letters of recommendation; sent directly to jobvacancy@bric.ku.dk with subject "EPI-PhD-5July2012" directly from the supporting persons before application deadline (recommendations forwarded by the applicant her-/himself will not be considered).
 
Application deadline: July 5, 2012.
 
University of Southern Denmark and University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
 
Apply online
Deadline: 05-07-2012
Publisher: BRIC - Biotech Research & Innovation Center