A Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Metabolic Regulation of Early Human Development at reNEW

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Postdoctoral candidate to join the Zylicz group starting January 2023 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The posting is initially for 2 years.

The Center
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW has its Hub at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as well as nodes at UCPH, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Leiden University Medical Center. Researchers within reNEW addresses fundamental questions in stem cell and developmental biology and will pivot research findings to clinical outcomes and products.

Our research
A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Jan Żylicz at reNEW. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of early mammalian development and stem cell biology. The Żylicz group wants to understand how metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms cooperate to regulate transcription during early development. In particular the team is interested in how metabolism regulates histone modifiers, and how these in turn affect lineage choice and embryo growth at around the time of implantation. To achieve this, the group utilizes both in vivo mouse models as well as in vitro human stem cell culture systems and state-of the-art ultrasensitive transcriptomic, epigenomic and metabolomic techniques. This project will combine these methods with biochemical and mechanistic analysis in human 2D and 3D stem cell models. Starting date for this position is the 1 January 2023, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding post-doctoral candidate with a strong background in human stem cell biology. The candidate will implement cutting-edge genetic and metabolomic assays to unravel how metabolism regulates chromatin states in early human development.

Qualifications:

• A PhD degree in life sciences
• Documented hands-on experience with human pluripotent stem cells is highly advantageous
• Good record of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Background in genetics, cell biology, metabolism, bioinformatics or epigenetics is an advantage.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. The position requires solid previous work experience from an established research laboratory or private company.
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative international environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

We offer: 

• A stimulating, challenging and multifaceted research environment
• A supportive team to work and collaborate with
• A combination of exciting projects and state-of-the-art technologies to expand your horizons
• Possibilities for continued education and training
• Attractive employment conditions
• Centrally located workplace  

Terms of salary, work, and employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week and the position is fixed-term, limited to an initial period of 2 years.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at around 35,000 DKK / approx. 4,700 Euro (October 2022-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

We encourage all - regardless of their personal background and status - to apply.

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Questions
For further information contact Associate Professor Jan Zylicz, [email protected] .

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

Application deadline: 7 October 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 Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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 application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

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

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.