157966 Professor and Research Group Leader within neurodevelopmental disorders

Professor and Research Group Leader within neurodevelopmental disorders at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen.

BRIC wishes to recruit a strongly motivated Professor within the field of neurodevelopmental disorders for an independent research group leader position. We are seeking excellent candidates with ambitious research visions and a drive to contribute to a diverse and inspiring research environment.

The workplace

BRIC is an international center of excellence with the mission to perform cutting-edge basic and translational biomedical research in an open environment that fosters interdisciplinarity and collaboration. Active research areas include many aspects of cancer biology, stem cell biology and neurobiology. The center is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Information on the department can be found at: https://www.bric.ku.dk/ .

The job

As Professor and group leader, you will establish an independent research program within the field of neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on mechanistical studies to understand molecular and cellular mechanisms of impaired brain development that leads to brain dysfunction. The research program is expected to encompass analysis of patient-derived samples as well as preclinical in vivo models to investigate impairments in brain development, to design novel clinical diagnostics procedures, and to reveal novel drug targets. Analysis methods should include high-resolution technologies, such as single cell and spatial omics. You will lead local as well as international collaborative and multidisciplinary research projects and engage in core center activities such as talent and technology development to advance BRIC’s research environment and culture. The appointment is at a full professor level (group leader) and permanent.

The Professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including associated examination
• Leading a BRIC core facility to provide service in single cell and spatial omics, including technology development and computational biology
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments

The candidate profile

Your have a track record documenting your research experience as reflected in a strong publication record matching your career stage. You are expected to have a successful record of attraction of funds, leadership and educational experiences, collaboration experiences and additional capabilities within areas such outreach or technology transfer activities. Six overall criteria apply for Professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. Based on these UCPH criteria for recognizing merit, BRIC has formulated six detailed evaluation categories: Research performance, Future research plan, External funding, Leadership/Management qualifications, Organisational contribution, and Teaching and Supervision qualifications .

Furthermore, the successful Professor must be able to document:

• A high degree of original academic production at an international level, including considerable contributions to the field of neurodevelopmental disorders
• Strong expertise in single cell and spatial omics technology, supported by publications in leading journals
• Previous experience leading institutional technology platforms providing service for single cell and spatial omics technology
• Previous experience in development of computational methods for single cell and spatial omics analysis
• Experience with  research-based teaching
• Manage research and other management functions, e.g. engagement in external academic activities, as well as knowledge and technology transfer

The professor is also required to possess good interpersonal and communicative skills.

We offer:

• A start package covering own salary and the salary of 1-2 group members. Additional start support may be obtained from private foundations (obtained at individual or center level).
• Access to cutting edge technologies through core facilities, including high-content screening, flow cytometry, next-gen sequencing, bioinformatics, microscopy, single cell genomics, histology and access to spatial transcriptomics and pathology service. Additional core facilities are available at faculty level.
• A vibrant and open scientific community with focus on collegiality, collaboration and creativity.
• A focus on talent training and development at all career stages, including strong PhD and postdoc programs.
• Strategic support for funding strategizing, grant writing and implementation of larger grants and collaborations and for research communication and outreach.
• Administrative support with regards to laboratory services and safety, purchase, economy, HR and IT.

Additional information about BRIC can be found on www.bric.ku.dk

Inquiries are welcome to director Anders H. Lund ([email protected] )

Terms of employment

The position is a permanent position. The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Recruitment process

The recruitment process will contain three evaluation steps:

All applicants will be scored for each of the six evaluation categories based on the UCPH criteria for recognizing merit: Research performance, Future research plan, External funding, Leadership/Management qualifications, Organisational contribution, and Teaching and Supervision qualifications at the shortlisting stage, the first and second interview.

Application material

• Cover letter outlining the applicant’s motivation to apply to BRIC and brief summaries of research visions (1 page).
• Application dossier (10 pages)
  • Research vision/goal and synergy with BRIC
  • Current and future research plan
  • Description of five most significant contributions (e.g., scientific, clinical, commercial achievements, honors/awards)
  • List of funding and commercial income raised incl. information about grant donor, type of grant, amount, and period
  • Description of leadership experience and development.
  • Description of organizational activities, including initiatives, responsibilities, and participation in committees and platforms
  • Teaching portfolio including reflection on teaching and supervision, see guidelines

• CV (2 pages use provided sub-sections )
• Diplomas
• Complete list of publications/ORCID – please indicate contribution in collaborative papers. Highlight selected publications relevant for research plan and for these include a short description (10 lines) of outcome/impact of the work and your contribution.
• Reprints of up to five selected papers (only published or in press)

The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, 1 February 2023.

BRIC highly values diversity and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply (see also https://www.bric.ku.dk/career-at-bric/ ).

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility Office offers assistance and guidance with regard to relocation, e.g., housing, spouse program, pension and taxes, as well as on general information on the danish society, e.g. child-care, health-care etc. For more information, visit the ISM website:  https://ism.ku.dk/ .

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.