Postdoc in Subcellular-resolved Spatial Transcriptomics

At the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU we are looking for a highly motivated researcher for a two-year position, who will work with state-of-the-art subcellular-resolved spatial transcriptomics and bioimaging to comprehensively characterize cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions in healthy and diseased human tissues. The position is to commence 1 March 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The revolution in single-cell transcriptomics has shown the need for spatially resolved technologies to visualize cellular diversity and interactions in the context of intact tissues. This has led to the recent development of new technologies to acquire full transcriptome wide data at single cell level and with high spatial resolution. These new technologies are likely to transform our understanding of biological processes and human diseases and form the basis for development of new treatments.

We have implemented the MERFISH technology to elucidate tissue micro-environments in both human and animal biopsies and in complex disease models using engineered tissues. Specifically, we are developing three MERFISH platforms for spatial transcriptomics at different scales to visualize the transcriptome from whole tissue slices, down to transcript distribution and co-localization at the sub-organellar scale.

Job description
The research focus for this position is to integrate the MERFISH technology with other state-of-the-art transcript- and protein-based technologies to characterize cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions in healthy and diseased human tissues including liver biopsies from patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), skin biopsies, as well as bioprinted models of human skin cancer.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• A PhD in biomedicine, molecular biology, biophysics, or similar field.
• Experience with sample preparation for transcriptomics, single-cell transcriptomics, and/or spatial transcriptomics such as MERFISH.
• Experience with advanced analysis of transcriptomics data in R or Python.
• Experience with bioimaging and preparation of biological samples for microscopy.
• Proficient communication skills and the ability and desire to work as part of a team.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Molecular biology skills such as qPCR and in vitro transcription for MERFISH probe design.
• Experience with single molecule localization microscopy (STORM).
• Insights into the biology of cell-cell interactions or cell-ECM interactions in mammalian tissues.
• Insights into the pathologies of either NAFLD or skin cancer.

Deadline: 15 February 2023.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk .