Postdoc in RNA Biology

The Copenhagen Plant Science Centre at The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences has a vacant postdoc position in Epigenetics. Starting date is 1 January 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment: The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences constitutes a stimulating and international research environment. The current position is financially supported by a Novo Nordisk Ascending Investigator grant to Associate Professor Sebastian Marquardt. The position will be located at Copenhagen Plant Science Centre (CPSC) with state-of-the-art research facilities. The aim of CPSC is to create a cross-disciplinary scientific environment that links plant scientists and advances research from bench to application.

Project description
We are looking for an exceptionally motivated postod to elucidate the effects of short promoter-proximal RNAs (sppRNAs). sppRNAs are non-coding RNA isoforms of mRNAs that we hypothesize contribute to transcriptional induction and robustness. The project operates at the interface between the research areas of: epigenetics, RNA biology, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription and genomics. You will be based in the laboratory of Sebastian Marquardt , University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

You will dissect the molecular mechanisms of sppRNAs in plant cells in the context of gene induction in plant cells. This will involve sequence specific mutagenesis by CRISPR/Cas9 with the aim to generate mutations specifically abolishing sppRNA functions. Here, it may be necessary to characterize the molecular pathways mediating RNA 3´-end formation of sppRNAs to develop targeted mutagenesis approaches. We are looking for a new team member enthusiastic about experimental approaches in the areas of molecular genetics, biochemistry and genomics to characterize key players involved. We expect to uncover chromatin-based effects on RNAPII induction linked to promoter-proximal sppRNA formation. The postdoc project involves design, execution and analysis of transcriptomics and epigenomics data. Expertise and enthusiasm to generate and analyze resulting data characterize candidates that match the profile for this position.

Job description

The position is available for a 2-year period and your key tasks as a postdoc at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project 
• Write scientific articles and grant applications
• Teach and disseminate your research
• Work for the department

The postdoc’s duties will include research within RNA Biology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Formal requirements
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or related fields with very good results and good English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience, particular in the area of NGS data analysis, RNA biology, and epigenetics.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor, , Sebastian Marquardt, Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, e-mail: [email protected] , direct phone: +4535331305.

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

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 440.935 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 75.399). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research vision in the area
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Saturday 1 October 2022, 23:59 GMT+2. 

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

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.