PhD scholarship in Stem Cell Biology and Single-Cell Transcriptomics

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a 3-year PhD scholarship, to join the group of Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan from 15 November 2022 or soon thereafter.

Our research
Our group investigates how individual cells undertake cell-fate decisions in pluripotent stem cells and complex tissues, particularly in development and during differentiation. We develop, utilise experimental methods including single-cell transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, multi-modal single-cell methods, functional genomics approaches, and also develop computational methods.

The group project works towards understanding the regulation of transcriptional, cell cycle and gene-regulatory networks, based on experimental bulk and single-cell NGS data generated in the lab. In this project, we aim to characterise wildtype and edited ES/iPS and their differentiation to different CNS cell types alongside multi-modal single-cell profiling.

Our science and team is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, and we welcome new members with varied competences in relevant fields. More details can be found at: http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan .<br">www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan .<>< a=""> />
Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to work on a project investigating ES/iPS clones and their differentiation to CNS cell types, alongside bulk and single-cell multimodal profiling. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will include primarily experimental work (i.e., molecular biology, stem cell culture, genome editing/engineering, bulk/single-cell multimodal assays incl. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq etc.,). Any experience with computational analysis is welcome and would be useful to the project.

The tasks among others include routine ES/iPS culture, adapting direct differentiation and 3D organoids protocols, ES/iPS CRISPR-editing, Flow cytometry, imaging and in vitro experiments to assess functional cell types alongside multi-modal single-cell and bulk assays. You will be part of a collaborative research team that strives for scientific excellence, and works together for similar overall goals. Training and help in all relevant areas will be provided and supported by the team and section. We rely on each other in practical day-to-day settings as well as for scientific development of the projects. We expect you to carry this team spirit, and at the same time you will be given a high level of independence to drive and develop this project.

We seek a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, or a comparable field. Previous experimental lab experience in ES/iPS culture and CNS cell types are preferable. Experience with single-cell methods (RNA, ATAC, ChIP-seq etc.,) and computational analysis of genomics data are considered a plus. As a part of a multidisciplinary team and research environment, the candidate is expected to be passionate about science, hardworking, learning oriented and work collectively within the group and with collaborators.

Profile
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with following competences:
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• Master’s degree in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biomedicine, or a related discipline
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques (ES/iPS preferred), and molecular biology assays
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience working with ES/iPS cell lines, their differentiation and functional characterisation
• Experience with single-cell genomics methods (scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq etc.,)
• Computational experience incl. analysis of single-cell datasets and/or machine learning
• Contribution to peer-reviewed publications

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

You will work at the DTU Bioengineering, and interacting locally with other groups at DTU Bioengineering and Health Technology. A collaborative mindset is expected as well as a proven ability to work in teams and communicate scientific research through presentations and submitted manuscripts. Working independently and charting research direction are valued. If you are highly driven, you will have opportunities to grow, drive research directions and contribute to broader collaborations.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see https://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan together with relevant project partners.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 15 November 2022 or soon thereafter or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Kedar Natarajan ([email protected] )

You can read more about the lab at http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan ">www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan and DTU Bioengineering at http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english .<br">www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english .<>< a=""> />
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark/before... PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 August 2022 (Danish time).
Apply online here: https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/vacant-positions/?inst=5... Positions at DTU Bioengineering.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Cover/motivation letter of application (max. 2 pages).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position.
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications
• Contact information of 2-3 referees

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health<>