Postdoc in RNA degradation biology, CRISPR gene editing and Nanopore long read sequencing

Department of Biology

Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

The Sandelin group is looking to recruit a talented postdoctoral researcher to our highly dynamic research group working in the interface of genomics and computational biology. The position is for two years with possible extension, in an interdisciplinary project focused on nuclear RNA degradation. Our previous work in this area include:

• Chen et al, Nature Genetics 2016, DOI: 10.1038/ng.3616
• Thiefry et al, Plant Cell 2020, DOI: 10.1105/tpc.19.00815
• Andersson et al , Nature Reviews Genet 2020,   DOI: 10.1038/s41576-019-01738
• Wu et al, NAR Genom Bioinform, 2022 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac071

Nuclear RNA degradation is essential for all cells. Together with transcription, it determines RNA expression levels, which underlies all major cellular transitions in development and disease. Different transcripts have widely differing half-lives, which means nuclear RNA degradation is a key process in gene-specific expression regulation. Therefore, understanding nuclear RNA degradation is necessary to understand the biology of cells.

Classical bioinformatics methods used by us and others have been helpful in identifying sequence signals and processing events that are important for nuclear degradation, but it has thus far not been possible to link these into a biologically relevant and predictive model for nuclear RNA degradation. This is needed to go from just describing RNA degradation biology to quantitatively understanding it.

The postdoc position aims to use state of the art nanopore sequencing methods developed in the group, and CRISPR-based gene editing techniques (prime editors or base editors) to decipher and validate RNA degradation mechanisms, aided by computational biology and machine learning experts in the group. The work will take place in our laboratory in central Copenhagen, Denmark and will be in close collaboration with the Auxillos group at University of Copenhagen and the Heick-Jensen group at University of Aarhus: a short secondment to the Aarhus group is an option. 

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent in molecular biology or related fields. Candidates expecting to complete their PhD before the start date of the position (e.g. April 2025) will also be considered. 

We require:

• Experience in molecular biology methods, especially RNA work
• Experience in CRISPR-based gene editing techniques
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, including transfections and cell line generation
• Experience in flow cytometry and high-throughput screening (experience with lab automation is desirable but not a requirement)
• Knowledge of RNA degradation, nanopore sequencing and computational biology in general is an advantage but not a strict requirement. However, an interest in these areas is a requirement.
• Excellent English skills including conference presentations and scientific writing.
• One or more first authorship papers in well-respected molecular biology and/or genomics journals
• A passion for working in a highly interdisciplinary environment: the Sandelin group is both experimental and computational and the postdoc will work with scientists from both disciplines, alongside those from outside the group.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the field as well as limited teaching.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to prof Albin Sandelin, albin@bio.ku.dk

The position is open from 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Letter of interest, outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
• Complete publication list

The deadline for applications is 15 Jan 2025, 23:59 GMT +1

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.