159762 Senior scientist of intestinal biology (Fixed-Term, 2 Years)

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW)

Department of Biomedical Sciences
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

The University seeks to appoint a senior scientist to work in the Jensen group at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW, at the Department of Biomedical Sciences to commence September 1st, 2026.

Information on the Jensen group and the reNEW center can be found at: https://renew.ku.dk/research/jensen_group/ and https://renew.ku.dk/

Job description
The position entails establishing image-based high-content screening of human intestinal organoids to identify compounds stimulating epithelial regeneration. Candidate hits will be tested in experimental mouse models of intestinal damage to uncover the in vivo regenerative potential of identified compounds. Collectively, the project will decipher molecular mechanisms governing cell state transitions in regeneration and resolution of intestinal tissue injury to accelerate the design of novel treatment options for patients with intestinal disease.

The responsibilities of the senior scientist will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including associated examination
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments

Required qualifications:

The successful candidate has a background in developmental biology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine within the intestine. In addition, the candidate holds profound experience in work involving 3D culture of mouse and human intestinal organoids and the utilization of such systems in molecular profiling and functional assays. The candidate should furthermore be proficient in utilizing experimental mouse models of colitis for the translation of findings from organoid models to in vivo organisms, assessed via functional parameters and tissue histology.

To be qualified for the senior scientist position, you will be assessed according to these six overall criteria for recognising merit at the University of Copenhagen: Research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership. Find information about each criterion.

Furthermore, each applicant must be able to document:

• Research qualifications at the level that can be achieved by satisfactorily completing a period of employment as an assistant professor/postdoc, but may also be obtained in other ways
• Teaching qualifications and pedagogical competencies
• Research-based teaching

The senior scientist is also required to possess good interpersonal and communicative skills.

Terms of employment
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

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

Questions:
For further information, please contact Group leader and Executive Director of reNEW, Kim Jensen, at kim.jensen@sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find the university’s International Staff Mobility useful.

Application:
The application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Cover letter (Including motivations for applying for the position (1 page))
• Curriculum vitae (Including information about external funding)
• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD, and other relevant certificates)
• A complete list of publications
• Uploads of maximum 5 publications to be considered in the assessment
• Teaching portfolio (Guidelines)

Application procedure:
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointment Committee.  All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. 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 the University's Job Portal.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

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

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments. The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, 17 May 2026.