PhD student in RNA cell biology

18 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Roskilde University

Department

Department of Science and Environment

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology
Environmental science

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Denmark

Application Deadline

4 Mar 2024 - 00:00 (Europe/Copenhagen)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Apr 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications as PhD student in RNA cell biology. The position is limited to a period of 3 years (full-time studies) with expected start date from April 1st, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the PhD project
What the PhD study can offer: A fully funded position with enrolment at Roskilde University Doctoral School of Science and Environment in the research group of Professor Dalgaard and affiliated with the Novo Nordisk Foundation RNA-META center in collaboration with Aarhus University and ETH Zürich. The purpose of the center collaboration is to enhance the efficiency and utility of RNA-therapeutics with focus on metabolic disease. The research is highly interdisciplinary, involving cell biologists, molecular biologists, chemists and in vivo pharmacologists. The graduate program includes experimental research training, specialized courses in experimental and transferrable skills, attending scientific meetings and research stays at other institutions. For the right candidate, there will be excellent opportunities to influence the direction of their project.

The Doctoral School
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Environment in accordance with the rules issued by the Ministry of Technology and Science and additional regulations issued by Roskilde University. The PhD student will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish confederation of Professional Associations). The Doctoral School of Science and Environment is an international graduate school that covers a broad range of research topics within the areas of science and environment.

Read more here https://ruc.dk/doctoral-school-science-and-environment

The Department of Science and Environment
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within chemistry, physics, medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes recently acquired NMR, mass spectrometry (LC- and GC-MS, including high-resolution measurements and proteomics), and microscopy (AFM, confocal and fluorescence) instruments, microscope with cold stage, rate freezer and climate cabinets, GMO class 2 labs, flow cytometry, NGS, Q-PCR facilities together with calorimetry (ITC and DSC), chromatography (HPLC), and scattering (DLS, SAXS) instruments. For environmental science research is TOC, AAS, FTIR, ICP MS, GC MS, HPLC, CHNS elemental analyzer, ion chromatograph, FIA and electronic particle counters i.e., Coulter counters available.

Read more here https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

Responsibilities and tasks
The PhD position is an educational position, and the main tasks are in accordance with chapter 3, Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions (https://ufm.dk/en/legislation/prevailing-laws-and-regulations/education… )

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Lead a PhD project in the research group as a team member.
• Perform in vitro cell biology experiments investigating the mechanism of action of candidate RNA therapeutics in different cell models.
• Analyze efficiency and toxicity of lead RNA therapeutics.
• Work with cell lines and advanced primary cell models of target organs (such as adipose tissue, islets of Langerhans, skeletal muscle, or neurons).
• Mentor younger students within the focus of the research project or contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate holds an MSc in life science, cell biology, human biology or molecular biology, and has an outstanding track record and a critical mindset. Moreover, an open mentality with focus on research communication, inter-disciplinary curiosity and teamwork will be required to succeed. Moreover, the following qualifications are sought for:

• Key knowledge of cell biology and skills in cell biology such as cell culture is required.
• Experience with research in metabolic disease (obesity, type 2 diabetes or related field) will be an advantage.
• It will be a significant advantage with prior experience in isolating and handling primary cells or tissue experiments, such as pancreatic islets, adipocytes, myocytes or neuronal explants. 
• Proficiency with using R or Python for data-analysis will be a strength.

You are required to be enterprising and to possess good communication skills and to be a visible, involved participant in the department’s daily activities and in the INM PhD network, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration also across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment of candidates, consideration will be given to:

• Relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (according to Danish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/transparency-tools/qualifications-frameworks/other-qualifications-frameworks/danish-qf-for-higher-education?set_language=en&cl=en ).
• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Scientific production and research prospective.
• The ability to promote and utilize research results.

In the assessment, regarding enrolment in the graduate program consideration will also be given to the following criteria:

• Educational skills and any further professional qualifications
• Grades at Master’s programme or equivalent.
• Quality and relevance of the project description.
• Your description of the Ph.D. project – Here you describe in which direction you would like to work and how your qualifications fit into the project (approximately one page).
  • Quality and relevance of the project description
  • Quality and relevance of the methodical and theoretical choices
• Consistency and coherence between the problem and the choice of method and theory.
• If the PhD project seems realistic and feasible.
• Ability to complete the PhD project.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Louise T. Dalgaard (tel. (+45) 4674 2713) or email: [email protected] ).

Terms of employment
The employment is full time, and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.  

Application procedure 
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application 
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/  

Only applications in English are accepted. 

Applications must include: 

1. Cover letter 

2. CV 

3. Documentation of education including grades from Master’s programme or equivalent 

4. Your own description of the PhD project – Here you describe in which direction you would like to work and how your qualifications fit into the project (approximately one page)

5. Your suggested time schedule of the PhD project

6. Letters of recommendation

7. If applicable: Documentation for any research experience, work experience or publications. 
 

Please submit your application no later than 4 March 2024. 

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. 

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 
 

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Roskilde University

Country

Denmark

City

Roskilde

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1310&ProjectId=147120…

Contact

City

Roskilde

Website

https://ruc.dk/en

Street

Universitetsvej 1, Postbox 260

Postal Code

40000

STATUS: EXPIRED