Research assistant or postdoc in molecular biology/molecular immunology at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

We are looking for a highly motivated research assistant or postdoc for a position starting May 1st, 2023 or as soon as possible and ending June 30th, 2024. The successful applicant will be employed as research assistant or – if qualified – as postdoc.

You will enter an on-going project on specialized ribosomes in T cell activation. The study is a collaborative effort between molecular biologists and immunologists.

Information on the department can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/ .   

Our research
Our research is in thenew field of “epitranscriptomics” with focus on how modifications of ribosomal RNA affect translation. We developed RiboMeth-seq for sequencing-based profiling of rRNA modifications and demonstrated the existence of specialized ribosomes in various biological settings. Our favoured model systems are development, T cell activation, muscle physiology, and cancer. Our approach is interdisciplinary and involves specialists from several fields as well as clinicians. We collaborate with local as well as international partners.

Your job
Your basic taskswill be to construct transcriptomics libraries based on RNA from FACS-sorted cells from the immune system, sequence the libraries using a local sequencer, and process data using an established pipe-line. The data will consist of modification mapping in abundant RNAs (mainly rRNA and snRNA) and low-coverage transcriptomics data. Subsequent validation experiments involve basic molecular biology protocols.  

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a Master or/and PhD in molecular biology or molecular immunology. For the research assistant position please note that your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (two years).
• You are experienced in working with RNA molecules using standard molecular biology methods
• You have basic experience with analysis of sequence information
• You have an active interest in understanding gene expression and how it contributes to cellular function
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Good English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience/knowledge of basic Linux
• Experience/knowledge of bioinformatics

Scientific environment
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an 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. You can read more at www.icmm.ku.dk .

Terms of employment
The position is full-time and the average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position with starting date May 1st, 2023 or as soon as possible and end date June 30th, 2024.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Currently, the monthly salary as research assistant starts at DKK 30,562 / approx. EUR 4,107 (October 2022-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to a pension fund.

Currently, the monthly salary as postdoc starts at DKK 35,728 / approx. EUR 4,802 (October 2022-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to a pension fund.

Foreign 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.

Questions
For further information please contact Prof. Henrik Nielsen [email protected] ; www.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:

Deadline for applications: 21 February 2023, 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.

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.

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.