Postdoc in Applied Machine Learning for Epigenetic memory at Center for Protein Research (CPR)

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc with expertise in machine (deep) learning and computational biology with an interest in chromatin biology to unravel mechanisms that orchestrate epigenome maintenance across the cell cycle and cell fate control. This is a 3-year position with preferred start May 1st, 2023, or after agreement.

The successful candidate will work at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) in the Chromatin replication and Epigenome maintenance research group headed by Prof. Anja Groth.  

More information on the CPR can be found at: https://www.cpr.ku.dk .

Our research
The focus of the Groth group is to elucidate how chromatin organization and function is propagated during mitotic cell division to maintain genome and epigenome stability. Our goal is to understand mechanisms that underpin chromatin replication and epigenetic cell memory, and how they impact on cell fate decisions in development and disease. We apply innovative proteomic and genomic approaches in combination with ESC biology, high-content imaging, and genome editing. Our group is diverse and multidisciplinary with many scientific collaborations nationally and internationally, and we put high value on idea sharing and use Creative Problem Solving tools to develop our research projects. We also have a translational focus connected to our spin-out company Ankrin Therapeutics.

The Groth Group is part of the Protein Memory Program at NNF CPR, a multidisciplinary and international research center with a highly collaborative research environment and cutting-edge core facilities. In addition to our program, CPR has research programs in Disease Systems Biology, Protein signaling, Protein Structure & Function, and Proteomics.

Your job
You will join a multi-disciplinary research team working on how epigenetic information is transmitted to daughter cells and guide cell fate choices. Using a panel of proteomics and genomic tools to interrogate the impact of DNA replication on epigenome maintenance together with computational approaches, we have obtained data supporting that the chromatin landscape oscillates across the cell cycle in a manner driven by DNA replication (e.g., Petryk et al., Science 2018; Reveron-Gomez et al., Mol Cell 2018; Stewart-Morgan et al., Mol Cell 2019, Alabert et al., Cell Rep 2020). You will drive your own project(s) by designing and developing tailored machine (deep) learning models for predicting, integrating, and interpreting epigenomic data sets on histone recycling and epigenome maintenance. You will also be involved in larger collaborative projects and engage with other lab members on our ongoing projects.

Responsibilities:

• Adapting and applying existing machine learning techniques to (in-house and public) omics datasets in order to discover novel insights into chromatin biology and epigenetic memory

• Developing tailored machine learning methods for specialized datasets produced from state-of-the-art NGS technologies developed by the lab and collaborators

• Communicate results and predictions to wet lab scientists for further validations and model refinement

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• A Ph.D. in Computational Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Math, Statistics, or related quantitative fields, or relevant experience
• Scientific and numerical programming in Python and/or R
• Strong bash/shell scripting and proficiency with UNIX operating systems and HPC environments
• Previous experience working with deep learning frameworks (Tensorflow or PyTorch) is of great advantage
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with biologists, computational biologists, and data scientists on model requirements and design
• Experience handling data from next-generation sequencing (NGS) and data analysis is a plus.
• A background in chromatin biology, DNA replication and/or stem cell biology is an advantage but not required. 
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Place of employment
The employment is at CPR (www.cpr.ku.dk ) , a Novo Nordisk Foundation center of excellence established in 2007 and embedded in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied research on human proteins of medical relevance. The Center comprises modern laboratories, supercomputer resources and state-of-the- art facilities within protein science and genomics. CPR is an interdisciplinary international environment with English as the main language. We are located in central Copenhagen, a city with one of the highest qualities of life in the world and a vibrant and highly interactive research environment. The University of Copenhagen has a strong focus on balancing professional life with a family-friendly working environment https://www.ism.ku.dk/faq .

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time (37 working hours per week) and fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is 1 May 2023 or after agreement.

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. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins at 35,700 DKK/approx. 4,800 EUR (October 2022 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 Prof. Anja Groth; e-mail [email protected] .  

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

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:

Deadline for applications: 15 February 2023, 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. 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.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply 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.