Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a three-year position, starting 1 November 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project will investigate safety and applicability of CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing in cattle.

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

Our research
Intra-species genome editing in cattle allows for introduction of desired rare monogenic traits, from e.g. local cattle breeds, into highly specialized dairy cattle without (1) loss of breeding value built up over decades and (2) introduction of genes foreign to the species. However, the commercial application of this novel technology is hampered by severe concerns regarding the potential risks. We will investigate on target efficacy and off target side effects of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing by introduction of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) into genes expressed in early embryos as well as genes expressed in committed cells.

We are an interdisciplinary team with many international members working on various aspects of stem cells biology and disease modelling in humans and animals. More information about the group and research activity can be found here: https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/pathobiological-sciences/freude-group/

Your job
Your task will be to optimize gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in cattle embryonic stem cells, followed by downstream analyses for on and off target efficiency. 

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 Biology, Biochemistry, Veterinary Science or similar.
• You are highly experienced in stem cell biology, including application of CRISPR/Cas9.
• You have an active interest in veterinary aspects of stem cell research.
• You have proficient communication and writing skills.
• You can work independent and in teams.
• Your English skills are excellent both written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:
You have hands on experience in: 

• iPSC, fibroblast, NPC, neurons culture
• Fibroblast reprogramming
• ICC staining
• iPSC characterization
• Spontaneous differentiation
• Neuron differentiation (Glutamatergic and GABAergic neuron)
• PCR, RFLP, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing
• DNA extraction 

It would be considered an advantage if you previously worked with: 

• Western blot assay
• Cytotoxicity assay
• Protein structure prediction
• Bacteria culture
• ELISA assay
• Confocal microscopy

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science in the Section of Pathophysiology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern stem cell laboratories and molecular biology labs for functional studies.

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 1 November 2023 or as soon as possible.

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 36,200 DKK/approx. 4800 EUR (April 2023 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 Prof. Kristine Freude, kkf@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 August 2023, 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. 

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

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.