The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a research assistant candidate to join the Aragona group starting 1 November 2023 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

The Center:

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW has its Hub at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as well as nodes at UCPH, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Leiden University Medical Center. Researchers within reNEW addresses fundamental questions in stem cell and developmental biology and will pivot research findings to clinical outcomes and products.

Our research

A research assistant position for 1 year is available in the group of Mariaceleste Aragona at reNEW. The team studies fundamental mechanisms of stem cell biology and tissue architecture establishment and maintenance. Our group aims to understand how neighbouring cells coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function. In particular, we want to investigate how mechanical cues affect gene transcription, stem cells dynamics and fate decisions. Starting date for this position is the 1 November 2023, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and outstanding candidate with a background in stem cell biology. The candidate will develop protocols to generate and maintain 2D and 3D in vitro cell cultures from tissue-specific human stem cells and implement cutting-edge genetic and histological assays. The candidate will work closely with the other team members to unravel how mechanical cues e.g., stretching and compression regulates cell behaviors.

Qualifications:

• A MSc degree in life sciences or equivalent.
• Documented hands-on experience with stem cells culture is required.
• Excellent English communication skills written and spoken.
• Highly scientifically curious and enthusiastic candidates are encouraged to apply. The position requires solid previous laboratory work experience.
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative international environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

We offer: 

• A stimulating, challenging and multifaceted research environment.
• A supportive team to work and collaborate with.
• A combination of exciting projects and state-of-the-art technologies to expand your horizons.
• Possibilities for continued education and training.
• Attractive employment conditions for 1 year, with possibility of renewal.
• Centrally located workplace.  

Terms of salary, work, and employment:

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 1 year. The start date is 1 November 2023 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 31,000 DKK/Roughly 4,160 EUR (April 2023 level) plus pension.

The application must include:

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a Research Assistant employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
4. Publication list (if possible)

Questions:

For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, mariaceleste.aragona@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

How to apply

Your online application must be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below. The closing date for applications is 3 September 2023[MA1] .

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

Only applications received in time and consisting of the above listed documents will be considered.

Applications and/or any material received after deadline will not be taken into consideration.

The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Assessment procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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 http://employment.ku.dk 

Application deadline: 3 September, 2023 23.59pm CET

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. It is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and is one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University´s eight faculties include Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Theology. www.ku.dk

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.