Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly skilled postdoctoral fellow to commence October 1, 2021 at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.

The postdoctoral fellowship is part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research International Postdoctoral Program www.cbmr.ku.dk/postdocprogram.

About us

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research’s vision is to strengthen interdisciplinary research that transforms our basic understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge toward new prevention and treatment strategies. We were established in 2010 and in 2017, we moved into new laboratories, offices and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower www.maersktower.ku.dk.

The Center has around 240 employees who work in an international, highly collaborative research environment across a range of biomedical disciplines. You can read more about us here www.cbmr.ku.dk.

Our research

We and others have identified that epigenetic information carried in gametes is amenable to external influences (de Castro Barbosa et al., Molecular Metabolism 2015; Donkin et al., Cell Metabolism 2016), but the mechanism by which environmental factors establish specific epigenetic changes in gametes remains totally unknown. We aim to determine how environmentally-influenced epigenetic information is transferred to spermatozoa. For more information about the activity of the group, please visit https://cbmr.ku.dk/research/integrative-metabolism-and-environmental-influences/barres-group/.

Job description

In collaboration with Associate Professor Atul Deshmukh, Group Leader at the Center and leading proteomic researcher with experience in extracellular vesicle isolation, and Dr Rehfeld and Dr Jensen, clinicians at Rigshospitalet, the successful candidate will investigate the contribution of extracellular vesicles originating from somatic tissue on the epigenetic make-up of spermatozoa. The post-holder is expected to have a deep understanding of epigenetics and epigenetic inheritance, as well as experience in the purification and characterization of extracellular vesicles. Knowledge and experience in reproductive biology and related research, particularly of the male, would be highly regarded.

Profile

The fellowship is aimed at early career researchers with a basic background in the biosciences or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with integrative research approaches within the broad area of basic metabolic research with an application towards human pathophysiology.

Required criteria:

• PhD in Molecular Biology or related sciences
• Excellent scientific track record in relation to career stage
• Experience of experiments in epigenetic studies such as genome-wide assays for DNA methylation analysis (RRBS, Bisulfite Sequencing), ChIP-Seq targeting histone marks, small RNA sequencing
• Experience of a wide range of molecular biology techniques like RT-qPCR, cloning, library preparation, Sanger sequencing, luciferase assays etc.
• Experience with animal work with accreditation to conduct research in animals (FELASA C)
• Capacity to efficiently work in a multidisciplinary team to reach common goals
• Outstanding time-management skills and capacity for effective and realistic planning
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of reproductive biology and anatomy, particularly in the mouse

Eligibility

The CBMR International Postdoctoral Program is open for applicants that hold a PhD degree awarded from a university outside of Denmark. The PhD degree has to be obtained before October 1, 2021. The program is also open for applicants with a Danish PhD degree who can document at least 12 months full-time research experience from outside Denmark. You are not eligible to apply for the program if you have been employed in a postdoctoral position for more than one year at the University of Copenhagen prior to the commencement of the fellowship.                                                           

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time position for 3 years. Starting date is October 1, 2021.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish 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.

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Romain Barrès at barres@sund.ku.dk. Questions regarding the CBMR International Postdoctoral Program must be directed to cbmr@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at sund-hr-cbmr@sund.ku.dk.

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark. Read more at www.ism.ku.dk.

Application procedure

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

• Cover letter addressing each of the required and desirable criteria (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master degree certificate. In case the PhD has not yet been completed, a written statement from the supervisor confirming it will be obtained before October 1, 2021 is acceptable
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application deadline: April 5, 2021, 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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of March 13, 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their 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.