Postdoc position in skin mechanobiology at reNEW

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Postdoctoral candidate to join the Aragona group starting November 2022 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Mariaceleste Aragona at reNEW. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology and tissue architecture establishment and maintenance. Our group aims to understand how neighbouring cells coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function. In particular, we want to investigate how mechanical cues affect gene transcription, stem cells dynamics and fate decisions. This research project will study the mechanisms by which the different compartments of the skin cope with mechanical stress by using a mouse model of skin stretching in vivo, and by performing lineage tracing, clonal analysis and transcriptomic profiling. Starting date for this position is the 1 November 2022, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding post-doctoral candidate with a strong background in either mouse and stem cell biology and/or histology and imaging. The candidate will implement lineage tracing techniques and transcriptomic profiling to identify key cellular and molecular players regulating stretch-mediated tissue expansion in vivo. By combining clonal analysis to study cell fates dynamics, whole tissue imaging, single cell RNA sequencing and chromatin profiling, the candidate will master the underlying principles of tissue architecture maintenance upon mechanical perturbations.

The Center
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) has its Hub at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as well as nodes at UCPH, Melbourne in Australia (MCRI) and Leiden in  Nederland (LUMC). Researchers within reNEW addresses fundamental questions in stem cell and developmental biology and will pivot research findings to clinical outcomes and products for patients with incurable disorders such as congenital kidney disorders, type 1 diabetes, heart defects, Parkinsons’ disease.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD degree in cell/molecular/developmental/stem cell biology/ or similar, with a track-record of successful scientific work.
• Candidates should have a strong background in mouse genetics, cell and molecular biology and/or cell imaging. Alternatively, candidates with a background in transcriptomic applied to animal models are also encouraged to apply.
• Previous experience using rodents as a research model, imaging and/or next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics are considered an advantage.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

Terms of salary and employment
The employment is planned to start 1 November 2022 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is for 2 years. 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 35,620 DKK approximately 4,780 EUR (April 2022-level, excl. pension). 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 Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020..

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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

4. List of publications.

Questions
For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, [email protected]

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

Deadline for applications: 11 September 2022, 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.