Postdoctoral fellowship in novel ciliary regulators of pancreatic cancer

The Department of Biology invites applicants for a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship. The project is part of the research project “Novel ciliary regulators of pancreatic cancer”, which is financed by a generous grant from the Danish Cancer Society.

Starting date is Jan 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project and your mission

The overall aim of the project is to is to establish a new way of understanding pancreatic cancer biology through unraveling how key pro-tumorigenic proteins localizing to primary cilia promote aggressive pancreatic cancer traits through ciliary signaling and ion homeostasis. Our team recently discovered that several proteins linked to pancreatic cancer are found in the ciliary proteome and confirmed their localization to primary cilia in the pancreas. The postdoc will combine multiple in silico,

in vitro and in vivo pancreatic cancer models with advanced imaging- and genetic approaches to understand how the ciliary co-localization and function of these proteins may impact ciliary dynamics and, in turn, pancreatic cancer aggressiveness. You will develop and perform interactome studies, ciliary pH measurements, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of relevant pathways, and in vitro and in vivo assessments of pancreatic cancer aggressiveness and metastasis, with the long-term goal of uncovering new treatment avenues in pancreatic cancer.  

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking highly motivated, skilled candidates with a strong experimental background in advanced imaging, including live imaging, and molecular biology. In-depth knowledge of ciliary- and/or cancer biology is expected and experience in ion transport biology is an advantage. Candidates must be able to perform as part of a team as well as independently, and must have good social skills and communication skills in English. The postdoc’s duties will include research as well as teaching and supervison of Master’s and PhD students.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

• A strong, friendly and ambitious project team comprising several excellent groups in the department of biology, and with broad national and international scientific collaborations.
• Excellent research infrastructure and technical support.
• Highly relevant research at the crossroads between oncology, biophysics and cellular signaling,  which will be a solid basis for your next-level career.
• A strong and active postdoc organization and a great scientific and social environment at the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science.    

Our groups are a part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to project PI, Professor Stine Falsig Pedersen, email: sfpedersen@bio.ku.dk; direct phone: +45 20991555.

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

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically.

Please include

• Letter of motivation, explaining your interests in exactly this position, and how you can contribute to the project
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for 3 relevant reference persons (will only be contacted with your approval)
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 24 September 2025, 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 ultimo October 2025.