Two postdoctoral positions in cell engineering and 2D/3D organoid models for endocrine and reproductive health in the Hoffmann laboratory

The Hoffmann laboratory in the Center for Chromosome Stability (www.ccs.ku.dk) at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (www.icmm.ku.dk), University of Copenhagen, is seeking two postdoctoral fellows. The lab consists of nearly 15 students and postdocs working on various aspects of,DNA repair, fertility and genetics. You will develop cell lines, 2D/3D and/or mouse models to understand genetic regulation of endocrine- and reproductive health. The successful applicant(s) will join a group of ambitious and dedicated scientists studying the mechanisms by which the ovaries and testes are formed and age

Our group and research – HERA “Health Reproductive Ageing”
The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust and you will be part of the Healthy Reproductive Ageing (HERA) Discovery Award, which uses cross-disciplinary approaches to understand ovarian ageing. HERA has four PIs, including award lead, Prof. Anna Murray (University of Exeter), Prof. John Perry (University of Cambridge), Prof. Stephen Franks (Imperial College London) and Prof. Eva Hoffmann (University of Copenhagen). For mouse models, we collaborate with Prof. Ignasi Roig (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona).

You will be responsible for developing cell lines, 2D/3D models and mouse genetics to elucidate pathways for ovarian ageing. This will be integrated with human genomics (Murray and Perry) as well as clinical data (Franks).

Start date:                         February 2nd, 2025

Duration:                           4 years
Weekly working hours:   37

The Department

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine focuses on basic cellular and molecular biological processes, their regulation and their significance for cell function, interaction and organization in tissues. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching programs spanning cell biology, genetics and basic human biology, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, as well as anatomy. You can read more about the department at www.icmm.ku.dk.

The Position

We are looking for two motivated postdoctoral fellows with a background in molecular biology and/or stem cell biology and an interest in endocrinology or reproduction. The project uses data integration from large human genomics datasets with cellular, 2D/3D and in vivo mouse models, where relevant. You will be expected to have a broad, yet mechanistic approach, to develop and use appropriate models. You will be expected to be responsible for project management, supervision of personnel, and data maintenance.  Laboratory tasks include working with cell lines, 2D/3D and mouse models.

Your responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal teaching and pedagogical training

Profile
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists with the following competencies and experience:

Key experience and skills for the assessment of applicants:

• You should hold a PhD degree in cell-line and/or organoid engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline.
• You display a high level of proficiency in molecular biology and tissue culture.
• It is an advantage but not a requirement to have experience with gene editing technologies and screens and/or be accredited with the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA ABD).
• You have an interest in research-led teaching experience pre- and postgraduate teaching experience within genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• You should have an interest in developing your own teaching skills and supervising bachelor and master degree student projects.
• Experience in participating in grant applications for research funds, including but not limited to fellowships, is an advantage.
• Peer-reviewed publications in recognised journals.
• Excellent English skills, both written and oral.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The CCS is part a greater research environment at The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) aiming to produce research with high international impact. The research focus is on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. You can read more about the CCS here: www.ccs.ku.dk.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The positions are a fixed-term position limited to a period of 4 years. The start date is February 2nd, 2025 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,570 DKK/approx.4,760 EUR (April 2024 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

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.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Eva Hoffmann eva@sund.ku.dk; www.sund.ku.dk

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

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications
5. Teaching portfolio

Deadline for applications: December 1th, 2024; 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed 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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

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

Interviews are expected to be held in week 50-51 2024.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.