PhD scholarship in obesity and immunology using next-generation sequencing, University of Copenhagen

PhD scholarship in obesity and immunology using next-generation sequencing

A 3 year position is available at the Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine headed by Professor Karsten Kristiansen at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen.
 
The PhD-student will be involved in the project "Single cell RNA sequencing to decipher the role of dietary and endogenous factors in adipose tissue inflammation (SINCER)" which will focus on analyzing molecular and cellular factors involved in initiation and maintenance of inflammation in obesity in mice and humans by using state-of-the-art techniques. 
The project is collaboration between the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the State University of São Paulo in Brazil and the successful applicant is expected to work in all three places as appropriate in relation to the project. 
Chronic diseases associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, are among the major causes of death and illness worldwide. During the last decade, it became clear that obesity-induced inflammation in adipose tissue contributes to the development of these diseases. The primary goal of the project is to identify possible targets for therapeutic intervention in adipose tissue inflammation-induced metabolic disorders. 
Qualifications: 
We are looking for a dedicated student who is able to engage in teamwork within the group and with our collaborators. 

• BSc in technical sciences within the health field (e.g. medicine and technology). MSc in molecular biology (e.g. human biology).
• The applicant must have experience with Illumina next-generation sequencing within immunology and experience with analyzing the data by applying bioinformatics using Java and Perl.
• The candidate must speak and write excellent English and must speak Portuguese.
• Must have worked in a Portuguese speaking country.
• Certificate to conduct animal experiments (FELASA C).
• Have documented involvement in scientific work including submitted manuscripts. 

Application:
Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically below including:

• Motivated letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcript of university examinations (in English)
• Letter of recommendation 
  

An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The applicant will be notified of the composition of the committee. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee.
 
The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant within the area of the project. 
Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC).
 
The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 309.179 (about EUR 41.500) per year (April 2012 level) plus pension contribution DKK 42.243 with the possibility of salary negotiation. 
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 
The deadline for applications is August 24, 2012. 
Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidate will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science as soon as possible.
 
Apply online

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Deadline: 24-08-2012
Publisher: Faculty of Science