Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Blackford Group
A position as Postdoctoral Research Associate is available at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, in the group headed by Dr. Andrew Blackford. The post is available from 1st September 2025. Highly motivated and committed candidates with an interest in DNA damage response pathways and chromosome biology are encouraged to apply.
The post is fully funded, although the post-holder will be encouraged to seek a personal fellowship to support their research.
The Department
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine). The working language in the group is English.
Our group and research
The Blackford group (https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/blackford-group/) aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that cells use to maintain genome stability, using a combination of genetic, biochemical and cell biology approaches. The research in the Blackford group is generously supported by Cancer Research UK and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Project description
The successful candidate will be able to choose one of two projects, depending on their personal interests and skillsets: either (1) investigating how cells recognize and repair DNA damage in mitosis; or (2) CRISPR screening approaches to define how RecQ helicases maintain genome stability to limit premature aging and cancer development.
These projects will benefit from access to cutting-edge mass spectrometry, imaging, screening and computational biology infrastructure at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Collaborations are in place locally to access additional facilities and techniques including state-of-the-art optical tweezers, super-resolution microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy.
Start date: 1st September 2025
Duration: 1 year (in the first instance, with possibility of extension)
Weekly working hours: 37
The Department
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, ICMM, (https://icmm.ku.dk/english/) focuses on basic cellular and molecular biological processes, their regulation and their significance for cell function, interaction and organisation in tissues. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching programs spanning cell biology, genetics and basic human biology, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, as well as anatomy.
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
- Applicants should hold a PhD degree in cell biology, biochemistry or a related discipline, preferably with a background in DNA replication or repair, mitosis, cell cycle or another area of chromosome biology.
- Significant expertise in at least one of the following: bioinformatics, proteomics, microscopy, biochemistry, structural biology or CRISPR screening in mammalian cells.
- At least one first author primary paper, or a first author manuscript deposited on bioRxiv, or a submitted manuscript under review at a reputable scientific journal (must be submitted as an appendix to your application to be considered). Publications in journals with predatory characteristics (https://www.predatoryjournals.org/the-list) will not be considered and should be excluded from your list of publications.
- A high degree of motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and fluency in written and spoken English.
Place of employment
The place of employment is Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art equipment.
Terms of employment
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 at DKK 34,376/ approx. EUR 4,600 (April 2025-level) plus pension.
For International applicants, please read more about the working conditions: International Staff Mobility. Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the last 10 years.
Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, experience, language skills, publication list and other skills relevant for the position.
- PhD and Master diplomas and transcript of records.
Application deadline: 27 June 2025, 23.59 p.m. 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 above-mentioned requirements.
Questions
For specific information about the position, please contact Andrew Blackford by email: ablackford@sund.ku.dk.
For further general questions about the position, please contact Elin Oelgaard by email: ee@sund.ku.dk.
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 has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant themself.
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 30.
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7,850 students, 1,700 PhD students and 4,800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
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.