PhD fellowship in Cancer Genetics at The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are offering a PhD fellowship in the laboratories of Associate Professor Héctor Herranz (Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine) and Professor Ian D Hickson (Center for Chromosome Stability), University of Copenhagen, in the project: “Cell cycle regulation of mitochondrial dynamics”. The position is available from January 1st, 2022, or soon thereafter. The position will be associated with the project “Identification of the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor suppressive role of the WNT-transcription factor TCF/LEF” funded by Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Our group and research

The Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine was established in 2007 to conduct studies aimed at identifying the molecular basis underlying development and disease, as guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. You can read more about us at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/

The PhD student will be co-supervised by Associate Professor Héctor Herranz and Professor Ian D Hickson

The Herranz’s group combines the use of Drosophila genetics with cellular transformation assays, to investigate the molecular basis underlying tumor formation and metastasis. You can read more about the Herranz group at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/cohenherranz-group/.

The Hickson´s group focuses on understanding how genomic instability drives human disease. They primarily analyze human cell lines in tissue culture. You can read more about the Hickson group at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/hickson-group/.

Project description

Mitochondria are organelles that control fundamental cellular processes such as metabolism, signaling, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, and proliferation. Mitochondria are very dynamic organelles and changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and number, morphology, movement, and turnover affect mitochondrial function. A substantial amount of mitochondrial-derived energy is required for cell cycle progression. Furthermore, the transition through the different phases of the cell cycle has different energetic demands. Therefore, mitochondrial dynamics need to be tightly regulated during the different phases of the cell cycle in order to adapt mitochondrial function to the needs of the cells in the different phases of the cell cycle.

The mechanisms underlying cell cycle progression with mitochondrial dynamics remain poorly understood. In this project, the PhD student will study the molecular mechanisms controlling mitochondrial dynamics and function during the cell cycle. The PhD student will combine the use of the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster with human cell lines in tissue culture.

Principal supervisors are associate Professor Héctor Herranz, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU, [email protected] ; and Professor Ian D Hickson, Center for Chromosome Stability, KU.

Start:                  January 1st, 2022, or soon thereafter

Duration:          3 years as a PhD student

Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
• Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research team
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teach and disseminate your knowledge
• Write a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project e.g. Drosophila genetics, cell cycle regulation, biology of mitochondria. Other requirements are having previous experience in cell culture, Drosophila handling, Immunohistochemistry, Confocal microscope imaging, qPCR, DNA cloning, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, High-throughput sequencing.

Other important criteria are:

• Grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in molecular/cell biology and genetics
• Good English language skills

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Institute of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and equipment.

Terms of employment
The employment as PhD fellow is full time and for 3 years.

It is conditional upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 27.780 DKK /approx. 3.735 EUR (October 2021-level) plus pension.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisors.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

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

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

3. Master of Science diploma and transcript of records. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor will do

4. Publication list (if possible)

Application deadline: 30 September 2021, 23.59 pm 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.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant will have 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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 44 and 45.

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.