Postdoctoral fellowship in spatial analysis of the tumor microenvironment

The Department of Biology invites applicants for a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in spatial analysis of the tumor microenvironment. The project is part of the research project “Integrating spatial transcriptomics, live tumor microenvironment imaging and focused CRISPR screens for transformative insights in cancer biology”, which is financed by a Distinguished Investigator grant from The Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Starting date is 15 November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project and your mission

The overall aim of the project is to is to establish a new way of understanding tumor biology through integrating tumor physicochemical traits and transcriptomic landscapes. Together, the team will develop superimposed maps of key physicochemical TME parameters and cellular transcriptomes in spheroids and tumors, and combine this with 3D spheroid CRISPR screens and functional analyses to understand how cancer cells sense and react to key aspects of their environment, and to identify markers of specific physicochemical tumor traits for potential use as biomarkers and treatment targets.

You will develop and perform – with our collaborators – spatial metabolomics, spatial transcriptomics and single cell sequencing of advanced 3D cocultures of human pancreatic cancer cells and associated stromal cells. In collaboration with a PhD student who you will supervise, you will integrate these data with physicochemical parameters obtained by live imaging of pH, lactate and oxygen. Finally, you will use these results as the basis for initiating 3D CRISPR screens.  

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking highly motivated, skilled candidates with a strong background in molecular biology and single cell- and/or spatial transcriptomics. Understanding of cancer biology, and in particular, the tumor microenvironment, is expected, and experience with CRISPR screens is an advantage. Candidates must be able to perform as part of a team as well as independently, and must have good social skills and communication skills in English. The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching and supervison of Master’s and PhD students.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

• A strong, highly collaborative, friendly and enthusiastic research group with broad national and international scientific networks.
• Excellent research infrastructure and technical support.
• Highly relevant research at the crossroads between oncology, biophysics and metabolism,  which will be a solid basis for your next-level career.
• A strong and active postdoc organization and a great scientific and social environment at the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science.    

Our group is a part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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 project PI, Professor Stine Falsig Pedersen, email: sfpedersen@bio.ku.dk; direct phone: +45 20991555.

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 accord 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

• Letter of motivation, explaining your interests in exactly this position, and how you can contribute to the project
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is Monday 16 September 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

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/.

Interviews are expected to be held late September / early October 2024.