Department of Biology
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Sandelin group is looking to recruit a talented postdoctoral researcher to our highly dynamic research group for 2 years focusing on an interdisciplinary project to explore how chemical modifications on RNA impact their fate, starting March 1, 2024, or soon thereafter.

The project description - 

Cell identity and functional outcomes are defined by gene expression programs. Parts of these are shaped by regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which reorganize the genome and modulate transcriptional output.  The Sandelin group with collaborators have a large experience in this area, defining enhancer RNAs, bidirectional RNAs at promoter and their biogenesis and decay, eg. Andersson (Nature 2014), Chen (Nature Genetics 2016), Lloret-Llinares (NAR 2018), Thieffry (Plant Cell 2020 and 2022). However an underexplored aspect of ncRNAs is their regulation via chemical modification of their bases and how these modulate RNA stability and localization. Using novel sequencing technologies, it is now possible to profile such modifications, but this has so far been restricted to mRNAs. 

This postdoc position, as part of a Villum experiment grant, will aim to develop a method for capturing both protein coding RNAs and ncRNAs and assess their epitranscriptomic status using Nanopore sequencing. This method will then be used to assess different CRISPR engineered cells to dissect how chemical marks regulate RNA abundance across coding and ncRNAs. The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Jamie Auxillos and co-supervised by Prof. Albin Sandelin.

Required qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD in RNA biology, Molecular biology or a related field. Candidates finishing their PhD before February 2024 will also be considered. We require:

• Experimental background in RNA biology, molecular biology or synthetic biology 
• Strong experience in CRISPR-based genome engineering techniques, mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, FACS, RT-qPCR, long read sequencing (ie. nanopore sequencing).
• Experience in statistical analysis and/or bioinformatics is an advantage. 
• Excellent English skills including conference presentations and scientific writing. 
• One or more first authorships in well-respected RNA biology or genomics journals
• A passion for working in a highly interdisciplinary environment. 

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the field and limited teaching. 

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 Assistant Prof Jamie Auxillos, jamie.auxillos@bio.ku.dk and Prof Albin Sandelin, albin@bio.ku.dk

The position is open from March 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

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 

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Bachelor, Master and PhD degree or equivalent) 
• Letter of interest, outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 10 January 2024, 23:59 GMT +1. 

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/.

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.