Assistant Professor of Molecular Cell Biology of DNA repair

Department of Biology, Section for Functional Genomics, invites applicants for an assistant professor in Molecular Cell Biology of DNA repair. The position is part of the research project “Genome integrity maintenance by liquid-liquid phase separation and oscillations”, which is financed by the Carlsberg Foundation.

The aim of the project is to study the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in facilitating DNA repair processes in the cell nucleus as a model to establish a fundamental biological understanding of how biomolecular droplets allow the cell to orchestrate its biochemical processes. We will achieve this through a cross-disciplinary effort that combines molecular genetics and state-of-the-art microscopy with biophysical modelling and computational simulations.

Our group and research
Our group studies the cellular mechanisms responsible for maintaining genome integrity with special focus on DNA repair processes. Our experimental approach combines molecular genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. The 12 members of the group provides a balanced mixture of postdocs, PhD students, undergraduate students and we have 1 highly skilled technician. We conduct curiosity-driven basic research with relevance to genetic diseases such a cancer and neurodegeneration.

The group is a part of Department of Biology, Section for Functional Genomics, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The Section provides a strong, international environment for research in the field of Genetics and Genomics located at Copenhagen Biocenter, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N. The Section currently employs 6 principal investigators, 3 technicians, 6 postdocs, 12 PhD students as well as a number of undergraduate students.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities.

The project is a collaboration with Professor Mogens Høgh Jensen at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biomedicine or similar with significant laboratory experience. The successful candidate will have excellent skills in molecular biology and a basic knowledge of biophysics. The candidate should hopefully be extremely enthusiastic about scientific research and be very imaginative with the ability to work independently.

The duties of the assistant professor will include research within Molecular Cell Biology as well as teaching and co-supervision of students. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Five overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The five criteria (research, teaching, innovation and societal impact, organisational contribution, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Questions
Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Michael Lisby, Department of Biology, mlisby@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 35322120.

Further information on the Department is linked at Department of Biology – Department of Biology - University of Copenhagen.

Terms of employment
The position is open from 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 15 months with the possibility for extension.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025. 

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. Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Description of research interests and motivation for a research career (2 pages)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of relevant papers or manuscripts

The deadline for applications is 6 July 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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/.

Interviews will be held on 24-25 August 2026.

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