Staff Scientist in RNA Biology and Metabolite RNA Capping

The Department of Biology is looking for a highly motivated and independent Staff Scientist in RNA biology and metabolite RNA capping. The position is expected to commence on 1 January 2027 and is linked to the Lundbeck Foundation Experiment grant MINDtheCAP: A new role of RNA caps in intellectual disability.

Our research
The Section for Computational and RNA Biology combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate RNA biology, gene regulation and genome-wide molecular processes. The position will be anchored in the Vinther research group and will contribute to the section's research activities, collaborations and supervision environment.

Your job
The Staff Scientist will have scientific responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of MINDtheCAP and will independently plan and coordinate the work within the project's objectives, milestones, budget and reporting requirements.

• Plan, prioritise and carry out the project in accordance with its scientific objectives, milestones, budget and reporting requirements.
• Analyse and interpret high-throughput sequencing and molecular data and refine the associated bioinformatic workflows.
• Coordinate project activities with laboratory technical staff and internal and external collaborators, and supervise students or junior researchers where relevant.
• Maintain research documentation and data-management practices and ensure compliance with laboratory safety, research-integrity and relevant institutional requirements.
• Prepare scientific publications, conference presentations, seminars, workshops, grant reports and relevant outreach activities.
• Develop follow-up research directions, collaborations and applications for further competitive research funding.

Because the work is research-driven, its detailed timing and sequence cannot be fully predetermined. Within the agreed scientific and institutional framework, the Staff Scientist will independently determine day-to-day priorities, experimental design and methods, the sequencing of experiments and analyses, and the coordination of collaborations.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Staff Scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Qualifications and Expectations 

• A master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, RNA biology or a closely related field.
• Interest in and/or experience with RNA biology, RNA capping or RNA biochemistry.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and laboratory work. Experience developing and optimising RNA-related methods, sequencing-library preparation and quantitative experimental controls is considered an advantage.
• Experience with or interest in analysing and interpreting transcriptomic data and in using or developing bioinformatic workflows.
• Interest in data analysis and bioinformatics. Experience with bioinformatic tools or workflows is considered an advantage.
• Experience preparing scientific reports, manuscripts and presentations is an advantage. Previous scientific publications are considered an advantage. 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research environment within agreed milestones and budgets.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience managing externally funded research projects and contributing to competitive funding applications.
• Experience coordinating interdisciplinary collaborations and working with molecular or neuronal cell-model systems.
• Experience supervising students, junior researchers or technical staff.
• Ability to work independently, solve scientific and technical challenges, and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Place of employment
The place of employment is the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment, with access to facilities and expertise in RNA biochemistry, molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working time is 37 hours.

The position is fixed-term for two years, from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2028.

The position is classified as Staff Scientist (AC-TAP). Employment will be under The Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning Academics in the state sector concluded between the Danish Ministry of Finance and Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The monthly salary will be based on the number of years of work experience (seniority) and there will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements based on qualifications. You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish). The applicable pension contribution will be in accordance with the relevant collective agreement.

Application
If you are interested in the position, please submit your electronic application, including attachments, via the UCPH Job Portal (click the “Apply for position” link at the bottom of the job posting).
Your application should be submitted in English and include:

• A letter of application addressing the requirements, maximum one page.
• Curriculum vitae.
• A certified or signed copy of certificate(s) of education.

The application deadline is 14 October 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held shortly after the application deadline.

The University wishes to reflect the diversity of the surrounding society and encourages all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position. 

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Jeppe Vinther at jvinther@bio.ku.dk.
 

The University of Copenhagen has established a new shared administrative organizational structure, which is currently being implemented. This entails ongoing changes and the development of, among other things, workflows and interfaces for collaboration.