Postdoc in Developmental Epigenetics in the Messerschmidt laboratory at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We seek a talented and highly motivated postdoc interested in investigating epigenetic and transcriptional dynamics in early mammalian embryos and pluripotent stem cells.

The employment period is for an initial 3 years starting 15 december 2021 or as soon as possible hereafter, with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate(s) will be fully funded as a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Our research
The Messerschmidt Lab (aka Developmental Epigenetics & Disease Lab) is focussed on the epigenetic and transcriptional dynamics in mammalian embryos during oocyte-to-embryo transition and beyond. We study transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers and their roles in epigenetic programming, re-programming and stability at early developmental stages. We seek to uncover novel epigenetic features inherited or established at these early stages impacting on later development, adult homeostasis and/or disease.

For more details please visit developmental-epigenetics.com and linked publications therein.

Research techniques used in the laboratory include Cell biology, Biochemistry and modern Genome-wide NGS techniques (ChIP-Seq, RNA-Seq, ATAC-seq, etc), in vivo and in vitro CRISPR mutagenesis and embryo manipulation.

The Messerschmidt lab represents cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and training and will be located in the Panum Institute within the ICMM with access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Your job
The overarching goal of this project is to expose and index sites of epigenetic vulnerability during development and study their impact on development and physiology in-vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro when mutated. The objectives range from initial, detailed characterization of the model to establishing ex vivo reagents and in-depth molecular analysis by highly innovative next generation sequencing strategies. Last, we aim to manipulate the molecular machinery and their target sites involved in embryonic epigenetic reprogramming and thus establish the next-generation of model systems for future investigations.

Any postdoctoral fellow joining the laboratory will be encouraged to help develop their own project. A high degree of independence will be granted and expected.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Biology, Biochemisty or similar
• You are a highly motivated individual with a drive for scientific discovery
• You possess research experience and publication records in relevant fields
• You have prior experience in NGS technology and bioinformatic analysis or mouse embryo manipulation
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in and lead teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), University of Copenhagen. ICMMoffers a creative and ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. ICMM currently comprises five research programs, three high profile Research Centers as well as a number of international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen. More information can be found at www.icmm.ku.dk .

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is 15 December 2021 or as soon as possible hereafter.

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 34,890 DKK/ approx. 4,690 Euro (April 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 December 11, 2019.

Questions
For further information please contact Daniel Messerschmidt by email: [email protected] or visitdevelopmental-epigenetics.com orwww.sund.ku.dk .

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:

Application deadline 13 October 2021, 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.

Interviews are expected to be held in end October 2021.

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.

 [DMM1] Up to date?

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.