Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem)
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

A two-year postdoc position is available in Semb Group to the project "Studies of how niche-rearrangements control organ progenitor fate".

During organogenesis fate-determining cues are generated by dynamic interactions between stem cells/progenitors, their progenies and the cellular environment. The aim of the project is to identify the cellular fate determining cues and their mechanism of action in multipotent pancreatic progenitors. The project is highly innovative in that it will use a combination of high-resolution confocal live imaging and machine learning to identify potential regulators of pancreatic fate in a manner never done before. The successful candidate will work closely with a biophysicist and a live imaging specialist already in the lab. The research project will also involve collaboration with a team of computer scientist to implement AI analyses. Finally, to determine how fate regulation at an extracellular level is coupled to changes at a transcriptional we have partnered with a team of researchers developing novel spatial transcriptomic techniques.

Background:

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology – DanStem has been established as a result of a series of international recruitments coupled with internationally recognized research groups focused on insulin producing beta cells and cancer research already located at the University of Copenhagen. DanStem addresses basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology and has activities focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and chronic diseases such as diabetes and liver failure. Find more information about the Center at http://danstem.ku.dk/.

Job Description:

We are looking for a postdoctoral candidate with a strong developmental biology/cellular mechanobiology, live imaging and/or a biological image processing background. In collaboration with two world renowned computational labs the candidate will be part of a framework that implements unbiased AI analyses to identify the environmental cues that control the differentiation of multipotent progenitors in the developing pancreas. The candidate will provide data and validate AI predictions using a combination of in vivo (mouse) and in vitro (human pluripotent stem cells) experimental models, primarily through live imaging. Whilst the aim of the project is to identify regulators of cell fate in an unbiased manner, the researcher will also pursue ‘candidate’ regulators identified from the laboratories’ recent publications. The position is for 2 years with possible extension. The employment is planned to start during the fall of 2020 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Qualifications:

The candidate is required to hold a PhD degree in stem cell/developmental/cell biology/biological image processing. A few years of postdoctoral experience in the same areas is a merit. A candidate with biological background should either have hands on experience in mouse genetics, micro dissection of mouse embryonic organs or experience in human pluripotent stem cell culture. For both in vitro and in vivo disciplines, the candidate is expected to have extensive experience in live-cell imaging and quantitative image analysis. A candidate with image processing background should have experience with segmentation and tracking in large 3D datasets and an interest in learning to work with the biological techniques described above. The candidate must want to work closely with other postdocs in an interdisciplinary team where good communications skills are key. Finally, we are looking for applicants with a good record of peer reviewed scientific publications and grant writing skills.

Employment Conditions:

The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority is 32.700-34.400 DKK/month. A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate´s experiences and qualifications. In addition, a monthly contribution of 17.1% of the salary is paid into a pension fund. Applicants that are recruited from abroad may be eligible for a special researcher taxation scheme. In all cases, the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration, and thus we encourage all - regardless of their personal background and status - to apply.

For further information contact Professor Henrik Semb, [email protected]

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

Application Instruction:

The application must be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below. Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is June 2, 2020 23.59 pm.

The application must include:

• Cover letter detailing the basis on which the applicant scientific qualifications meet the requirements for this position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• List of references (full address, incl. email and phone number)
• Diplomas – all relevant certificates.
• List of publications.

Application procedure:

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on his/her assessment. You may read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process

DanStem and The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background.

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. With 37,000 students and 9,000 employees, it is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University consists of six faculties, which cover Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk