Postdoc in hematopoietic stem cell biology and CRISPR/Cas9…

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral researcher in the field of hematopoietic stem cell biology and CRISPR/Cas9 transcriptional engineering. The position is part of an ERC-funded Starting Grant and will commence per February 1st, 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a 2-year full-time position with the possibility of extension.

Department of Biomedicine
We offer a vibrant international research environment where English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings, and at seminars. The Department employs some 450 people and covers a range of research areas within Biomedicine. We contribute to the Bachelor’s degree programs in medicine, molecular medicine, odontology and the Master’s degree programs in biomedical engineering and medical chemistry. Our infrastructure is well developed with modern laboratories, core and animal facilities. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here .

About the research group
The research group is led by Associate Professor Rasmus O. Bak . The group specializes in genetic engineering using various CRISPR/Cas platforms, and we mainly focus on applying these for gene therapy and the development of novel cell therapies. The lab is supported by several major grants, and will from 2022 Q3 host 6 postdocs, 4 PhD students, 1 lab manager, 3 research assistants, and a number of students. The research group is based in the new Skou Building in the heart of the Aarhus University campus . For more information on the research group, please visit our homepage .

About the research project
The research project will leverage the unique power of repurposed CRISPR/Cas systems for precise transcriptional manipulation of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These state-of-the-art CRISPRa and CRISPRi tools will be further developed in this project and used in arrayed and pooled screens to study and manipulate the biology and therapeutic capacity of HSPCs in regenerative medicine and hematological disorders.

Your job responsibilities
The Postdoc position is primarily research-based but will also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality.

Your main tasks will consist of:

• Plasmid cloning, cell culturing, transfection, CRISPR/Cas genetic engineering, and lentiviral vector production.
• Genetic, phenotypic, and functional characterization of hematopoietic stem cell properties in vitro and in vivo.
• Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research data including publication in peer-reviewed journals.

You will be under daily supervision and guidance by group leader Rasmus O. Bak, and you will formally report to the Head of Department Thomas G. Jensen.

Your competences
Applicants must have academic qualifications at PhD level in medicine, molecular medicine/biology, biotechnology, or similar, and have a proven track-record of publishing high-quality research in peer-reviewed international journals. Experience in one or more of the following techniques is highly desirable: hematopoietic stem cell culturing, CRISPRa/i-based transcriptional manipulation, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, flow cytometry, mouse transplantation, production of viral vectors, CRISPR/Cas9 screens and bioinformatics. The applicant should be highly motivated, scientifically curious, and a self-starter. Excellent communication and inter-personal skills are a prerequisite. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria .

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Rasmus O. Bak; e-mail: [email protected] .

Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Skou Building, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, bldg. 1115, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark.

Terms of employment

Application
Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant – postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Strategic research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants .

The assessment committee may decide to include non-submitted material in its statement. In such cases, you will be informed and obliged to submit material, unless your application is withdrawn.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Letter of reference
If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

International applicant?
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here . Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Development Programme. You can read more about it here .

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.

Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,000 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 885 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/