Postdoc position in stem cell-based infection models at Biotech Research & Innovation C...

The Jensen group at BRIC has an open postdoc position for a highly motivated and talented researcher to develop stem cell-based infection models for lung epithelium with leaders in the field of microbiology.

Our research/The group
The epithelial tissues along our entire body have to establish an important barrier to the environment. This is achieved via the balanced production of differentiated offspring from resident stem cell populations. During steady state homeostasis, these differentiated cells contribute to establishing a mutually beneficial environment for host epithelium and the commensal microbiota.

In the Jensen lab, we use a combination of animal models and patient derived material to address fundamental questions related to maintenance of epithelial tissues. Here we use a diverse range of technologies such as organoid models (Wong et al., 2012, Nature Cell Biology; Fordham et al., 2013, Cell Stem Cell; Yui et al., 2018, Cell Stem Cell), state of the art fate mapping (Page et al., 2013, Cell Stem Cell; Guiu et al., 2019, Nature; Andersen et al., 2019, Nature Cell Biology), crispr/cas9 engineering, as well as transcriptional and epigenetic analysis of both bulk populations and single cell level to identify candidate genes regulating cell fate changes.

For more information on the Jensen group, please follow the link https://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/jensen_group/.

Project/The research project(s)
We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral candidate with a strong background in cellular and molecular biology. The candidate will participate in a project that is part of the PERFECTION* consortium studying persistent bacterial infections in the lung, skin and stomach.

The goal of this project is to develop patient derived pulmonary infection models in order to provide an enhanced understanding of the molecular basis for persistent infections in patients. More specifically, we firstly develop organoid models from the lung epithelium, establish air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures from these human organoid models and use this ALI cultures to study how patient specific mutation and patient specific bacterial isolates interact and provides the basis for persistent infections in specific patient cohorts. Here the downstream analysis will be performed as part of an interdisciplinary collaboration with other members of the consortium.

*PERFECTION is a research project supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation with participation from Professor Helle Krogh Johansen (Rigshospitalet), Professor Thomas Bjarnsholt (SUND, University of Copenhagen), Professor Kim B. Jensen (BRIC, University of Copenhagen), Associate Professor Manuel Amieva (Stanford University, California) and Professor Søren Molin (Technical University of Denmark)

Estimated start: Early 2020.
Duration: 3 years.
Work hours per week: 37.

Qualifications

• You are a highly motivated and ambitious scientist.
• You have a PhD in Life Sciences.
• You have an excellent track record with at least 1 peer reviewed first author paper in a high-impact journal.
• You have a strong background in cellular and molecular biology, and experience with screening technology is advantageous.
• You have the ability to independently envision, plan and execute a research project.
• You have excellent technical skills.
• You have excellent English skills written and spoken.

Place of employment
The employment is at BRIC, University of Copenhagen. BRIC is located in the Biocenter, close to the center of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and a number of core facilities shared between the 23 research groups at BRIC and the neighboring Finsen Laboratory.

We have weekly journal clubs, data clubs, seminars with invited speakers and a young researchers club ASAP and our own PhD programme, MoMeD and our own https://www.bric.ku.dk/phd-and-postdoc-programme/postdoc-career-programme/.

BRIC actively participates in the European alliance, EU-life consisting of 13 excellent life science research institutions https://eu-life.eu/.

Please read more about the Jensen research group and BRIC on http://www.bric.ku.dk/Research/jensen_group/ and https://www.bric.ku.dk/, respectively.

Terms of salary and employment
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Academics Central organization.

Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 34,364/approx. EUR 4,581 plus a pension contribution. Depending on seniority and qualifications, a higher salary may be negotiated.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Application
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below.

The application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page) detailing the basis on which the applicant scientific qualifications meet the requirements for this position.
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.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications or letters of recommendation that do not live up to the above-mentioned requirements.

Application deadline: 2 February 2020, 23:59 p.m. CET.

The further process
Shortlist: After expiry of the application deadline, the superior with power to appoint selects a number of applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. Applicants who were not passed for assessment should not expect further with regard to their application unless the shortlist is revised.

Assessment: The selected applications will be assessed according to the Ministry Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities 2012 and the University of Copenhagen’s guidelines 2013. The Assessment Committee makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Professor Kim Jensen by e-mail: [email protected].

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7800 students, 1550 PhD students and 4400 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

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Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

ContactKim Bak JensenE-mail: [email protected]Application deadline: 02-02-2020Employment start: 01-04-2020Working hours: Full timeDepartment/Location: Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC)

Kilde: Jobnet.dk