A Researcher in Developmental Epigenomics at the Department of Biomedical Sciences

 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Researcher for a three-year position, to commence on 16th February 2026.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding candidate with a strong background in stem cell biology. The candidates will implement cutting-edge genetic and metabolomic assays to unravel how metabolism regulates chromatin states in early development. 

Information on the department can be found at: https://renew.ku.dk

Our research

A researcher (Forsker) position is available in the group of Jan Żylicz at reNEW. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of early mammalian development and stem cell biology. The Żylicz group uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand how metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms cooperate to regulate transcription during early development. In particular, the team is interested in how metabolism regulates histone modifiers, and how these in turn affect lineage choice and embryo growth at around the time of implantation. To achieve this, the group utilises both in vivo mouse models as well as in vitro human stem cell culture systems and state-of-the-art ultrasensitive transcriptomic, epigenomic, and metabolomic techniques. These projects are highly collaborative and will combine these methods with biochemical and mechanistic analysis. 

Your job

We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding candidate with a strong background in stem cell biology. The candidates will implement cutting-edge genetic and metabolomic assays to unravel how metabolism regulates chromatin states in early development. 

You will lead a collaborative project on high-content screening for factors regulating stem cell differentiation. You will manage collaborations both within and outside reNEW. Your task will also be to provide everyday supervision to MSc and PhD students in the laboratory. Your role will include support in grant writing and preparing manuscripts for publication.

Profile 
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in life sciences
• You are highly experienced in working with pluripotent stem cells as well as metabolomic analysis.
• You have documented experience in performing high-content image-based screening. 
• You have an active interest in stem cell and developmental biology
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Excellent record of peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. The position requires solid previous postdoctoral work experience from an established research laboratory. 
• A solution-oriented, organisational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative international environment both independently and as part of the team is essential. 

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have experience in co-supervising MSc and PhD students.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, and we offer:

• A stimulating, challenging, and multifaceted research environment
• A supportive team to work and collaborate with
• A combination of exciting projects and state-of-the-art technologies to expand your horizons 
• Possibilities for continued education and training
• Attractive employment conditions
• Centrally located workplace  

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position for Reseacher is a fixed-term position limited to a period of three years. The starting date is 16th of February 2026 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 40,615 DKK/approx. 5,445 EUR (April 2024 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Jan Zylicz; jan.zylicz@sund.ku.dk; www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 20 July 2025, 23.59pm 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. 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 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 late August/start September.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.