1-2 Postdoc positions in immune signalling and mass spectrometry in the Molecular Immunology and Inflammation group at the LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center (SIC)

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: 07 Jun 2022

We are offering 1-2 postdoc position(s) in molecular immune signalling and mass spectrometry to commence on 1 September 2022 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research

We aim to uncover novel molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammation and innate immune responses. Through this, we aim to advance our understanding of the molecular aetiology of inflammatory skin diseases and other immune disorders.

A central focus of our research is to elucidate the role and regulation of the ubiquitin system, which plays a central role in regulating inflammation and immune responses in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other organs/tissues. The ubiquitin system is an emerging drug target and through detailed studies of the molecular mechanisms underpinning ubiquitin-based immune signalling, we aim to identify “druggable” molecular processes that ultimately may have clinical benefit in the treatment of skin diseases and other immune-driven pathologies.

We believe in teamwork and have an inclusive and supportive working environment in an international, open-minded atmosphere with a diversity of nationalities among group members and at the Department at large.

As part of SIC, our group is located on the 12th floor in the award-winning Maersk Tower, which offers ultra-modern facilities and a vibrant international research environment with focus on the development of early-career scientists. Based on a grant from the LEO Foundation of more than 50 million EUR, SIC aims to unite leading Danish and international researchers in immunology and skin disease to provide new knowledge to enable better diagnostics and more effective treatments for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Our mission is that SIC will become a world-leading center for research and education in skin and skin diseases. Further information on the center can be found at: https://sic.ku.dk .

Project description

This explorative project will focus on the role of the ubiquitin machinery in immune signalling and inflammation, with a particular focus on these processes in the skin. The successful candidate will employ mass spectrometry together with biochemistry and molecular biology to explore, in cell culture systems, the molecular mechanisms underpinning ubiquitin-dependent immune signalling. The candidate will work with other team members to investigate their impact on immune regulation. Together with the Proteomics Research Infrastructure (PRI) core facility, the candidate will perform and analyse quantitative mass spectrometry experiments.

The project requires the use of a wide range of experimental methodologies, including cell culture systems, biochemical, molecular and cell biology techniques, analysis of quantitative mass spectrometry data, genome editing (CRISPR-cas9), fluorescence imaging, biochemical analysis of signalling pathways.

Principal investigator and group leader isProf. Mads Gyrd-Hansen, LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center (SIC), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, E-mail:[email protected], Direct Phone: +45 2434 0323.

Start:                  1 September 2022

Duration:          2 years

Job description
Your key tasks as a postdoc are to:

  • Carry through an independent research project under mentorship of the group leader
  • Participate actively in the research environment locally and beyond
  • Present and discuss your research at group/center/departmental meetings
  • Participate in day-to-day supervision of students
  • Teach and disseminate your knowledge

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

Applicants must have a PhD degree related to the subject area of the project. The successful applicant will have demonstratable experience in studying signal transduction using biochemistry/molecular biology methods. Prior experimental experience with mass spectrometry, inflammatory signalling, analysis of signal transduction in cellular in vitro model systems is preferred.

Other important criteria are:

  • Publication record (in reputable journals)
  • Relevant work experience
  • Curious mind-set with a strong interest to explore novel mechanisms of immune regulation
  • A wish to work as part of a team
  • Experience in supervision
  • Language skills

Place of employment

The place of employment is the LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center (SIC), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories on the 12th floor of the Mærsk Tower and access to state-of-the-art core facilities for mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, single cell sequencing, microscopy, animal facilities etc.


Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is full time and fixed term for 2 years, with possibility for up to 2 years prolongation.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign 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 Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Mads Gyrd-Hansen, [email protected]

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in english electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Bachelor/Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

4. Publication list

Application deadline:  7 June 2022, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

Once the assessment work has been completed 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 25-26.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 


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.



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