Postdoc in gene expression

We are looking for 2 or more highly motivated and dynamic postdocs in transcription regulation and/or mRNA translation for a 3-year position at the DNRF Center of Excellence, Center for Gene Expression (CGEN) within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Starting date: 1st of June 2025 or after agreement.

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

Our center and research
CGEN is an interdisciplinary research center consisting of 4 research groups located in modern laboratories in the Mærsk Tower at the Panum Institute 

The mission of the CGEN is to use a cutting-edge ensemble of genetic, cell biological, biochemical, organismal, and modern ‘omic’-approaches to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the process of gene expression.

CGEN performs ground-breaking research in a collaborative and ambitious environment, where young researchers are offered the best conditions to engage in bold and imaginative research. CGEN is also a centre of learning, where PhDs and postdocs receive comprehensive insights in the cellular processes underlying gene expression, as well as a clear view of their medical importance and potential for a future research carreer. 

Information on the Svejstrup Group can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/svejstrup-group/ 
Information on the Gregersen Group can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/gregersen-group/ 
Information on the Bekker-Jensen Group can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/bekker-jensen-group/ 
Information on the Haahr Group can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/haahr-group/ 
Information on CGEN can be found at: https://cgen.ku.dk/ 

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

Project description
The project will be decided in consultation with the selected candidate in accordance with ongoing research programmes within the individual groups. Broadly projects are focused on understanding the process of gene expression ranging from transcription, mRNA processing and translation. CGEN addresses fundamental questions in this field at the leading edge of science and aims to dramatically expand our knowledge of the processes, signals and factors allowing a gene to be transcribed while integrating with protein synthesis, so that the overall integrity of gene expression is maintained. Among the overarching questions we address are the following:
•    What are the mechanisms coupling transcription and mRNA processing?  
•    How is the state of mRNA translation, including the dramatic changes elicited by stress, signaled back to the transcription machinery, i.e., how is translation and transcription reciprocally regulated?
•    How does RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) associated factors affect transcription dynamics? And is this coupled to changes in mRNA translation?
•    What is the role of non-coding RNA, produced by transcription, in regulating mRNA translation? 
•    What are the physiologically relevant obstacles to gene expression, and what are the physiological and pathological ramifications of such problems at the organismal level? 

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 Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology, Bioinformatics or similar
• You possess research experience and an excellent publication records (first-authorship expected), with extensive prior research experience in the field of transcription and/or mRNA translation
• You are highly experienced in either molecular cell biology, genome-wide analysis, or both, in mammalian cells
• You have highly collaborative mindset and ability to work independently.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and/or screening approaches
• Experience with techniques to profile nascent transcription, RNAPII occupancy, ribosome footprinting, etc. 

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories located in the Mærsk tower with access to state-of-the-art facilities for cell engineering, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry

Scientific environment
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. ICMM currently comprises five research programmes, three high profile Research Centers as well as a number of international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen. You can read more at www.icmm.ku.dk

Terms of employment 
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is June 1st 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 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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 2020. 

Questions
For further information please contact Jesper Svejstrup; jsvejstrup@sund.ku.dk , Lea Gregersen; leag@sund.ku.dk , Simon Holst Bekker-Jensen; sbj@sund.ku.dk; Peter Thorlund Haahr; pha@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: 18 March 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 week 15-18

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