Assistant Professor to DanStem

The Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for an Assistant professor.

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem has been established as a result of a series of international recruitments coupled with internationally recognized research groups focused on insulin producing beta cells and cancer research already located at the University of Copenhagen. DanStem addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and has activities focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and chronic diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. Find more information about the Center at https://danstem.ku.dk/ .

Job description:

• The specification of functional cell types during embryogenesis is controlled by transcriptional networks. We have been optimizing an in vitro system for the propagation of ventral foregut like cells (VFGs) that derived from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs).  We find that expansion of VFGs is necessary for efficient downstream differentiation towards the pancreatic and hepatic lineages. In this project, we explore the transcriptional basis for this phenomena.  In particular, we observe little change to the transcriptome during VFG expansion, but a progressive priming of lineage specific enhancers.  In this project we seek to understand that molecular basis for this “enhancer priming.”  As a result, the Brickman group is looking for a highly motivated senior postdoctoral candidate with a strong background in developmental biology, stem cell biology and human ESC culture to explore this link.  The candidate will establish how specific signaling, chromatin regulators and transcription factors promote this enhancer priming.  The project will involve extensive cell culture, both human ESC and VFG, various next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and CRISPR screening.
• Participation in formal pedagogical training program for assistant professors.

Qualifications:

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in developmental biology/stem cell research with a professional profile that closely matches the qualifications below:

• The candidate is required to hold a PhD degree in stem cell/developmental biology/biological image processing.

• The candidate should have extensive experience with human ESC culture and differentiation, and assorted NGS technologies.
• Excellent skills in molecular biology.
• Experience with pancreatic or hepatic differentiation is a plus.
• A relevant publication record in the area of stem cell and/or biology is essential.
• Previous experience of training and managing junior scientist or technical staff is advantageous.
• Participation in formal pedagogical training program for assistant professors

Terms of salary, work, and employment 

The employment is for 4 years and is scheduled to start July 1, 2021 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The place of work is at DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34,600 DKK/ approx. 4,640 Euro (February 2021-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 19 December 2020.

Questions

For further information, please contact Professor Joshua Brickman, Joshua.Brickman@sund.ku.dk

The application must include:

1. Motivated letter of application

2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills

3. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s)

How to apply

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking “Apply online”.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested in the position to apply.

Application deadline: 10 March 2021

Only applications received in time and consisting of the above listed documents will be considered.

Applications and/or any material received after deadline will not be taken into consideration

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. 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.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. It is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and is one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University´s eight faculties include Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Theology. www.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.