PhD Positions to Study Adipocyte and Hepatic Cellular Plasticity Using Advanced Functio...

The Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as PhD students. One of the PhD students will be affiliated with the Mandrup Group, the other will be affiliated with the Grøntved Group. The positions are available from 1 June 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 6 April 2020.

ATLAS
Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) at University of Southern Denmark is supported by the Danish National Research Foundation. The aim of ATLAS is to obtain systems-level, mechanistic and cell type-resolved understanding of adipose and hepatic tissue plasticity in response to diet-induced obesity and regression in mouse models; and to translate this for in-depth understanding of the functional changes in human adipose and hepatic tissues in response to severe obesity and reversal. The centre applies a combination of functional genomics approaches including single cell sequencing, mouse models, proteomics, in vivo targeting, computational biology and clinical studies.

The centre involves the following PIs:

Susanne Mandrup, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Director)
Søren Kragh Moestrup, Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
Blagoy Blagoev, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Aleksander Krag, Professor, Institute of Clinical Medicine & Odense University Hospital
Lars Grøntved, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jonas Graversen, Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
Kim Ravnskjær, Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jesper Grud Skat Madsen, Junior Group Leader, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit
The Mandrup and Grøntved groups as well as the centre administration of ATLAS are located in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The research unit currently hosts seven independent research groups focusing on various aspects of functional genomics with focus on gene regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular identity, differentiation and metabolism. The Research Unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Research Project and Role
As a PhD student in ATLAS you will be engaged in a highly ambitious and interdisciplinary project covering gene regulatory mechanisms involved in liver and adipose tissue plasticity. You will interact and collaborate closely with other researchers in the Mandrup and Grøntved groups as well as with members of the other research groups within ATLAS and at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Project 1
One of the successful candidates will work primarily in the Grøntved Group and will be responsible for in vivo investigation of dynamic transcription and chromatin remodelling in the liver in response to metabolic challenges and development of hepatosteatosis. The studies will primarily focus on the hepatocyte population in liver tissue and cross-talk with other hepatic cell types such as stellate cells, endothelium and Kupffer cells. Hands on experience with mouse models, genome-wide studies of transcriptional regulation, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics are considered an advantage. For further information please contact Associate Professor Lars Grøntved ([email protected]).

Project 2: Adipose tissue plasticity in obesity and regression
One of the successful candidates will work primarily in the Mandrup Group and will be responsible for the investigation of the cellular plasticity in adipose tissue during development and regression of obesity. The project will be based on recent single cell data from the group and will involve uncovering transcriptional networks in specific cell populations as well as cross-talk between cell types and newly defined subpopulations. The work will use a range of mouse models; however, it will also include analyses of human biopsies. Hands-on experience with mouse models and/or human biopsies, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics is considered an advantage. For further information please contact Professor Susanne Mandrup ([email protected]).

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious candidates with:
• A Master’s degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology
• Documented experience with adipocyte biology, mouse models and/or NGS data analysis
• Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science (EU function ABD or similar) (preferably)
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We offer:
• A three-year PhD position in a stimulating and supportive, international research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department.

For further information please contact Professor Susanne Mandrup ([email protected]) or Associate Professor Lars Grøntved ([email protected]).

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

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

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information, education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the positions and publications/manuscripts
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades and a written statement from the supervisor.
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: [email protected] mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Please access the application form directly via the SDU job portal or find information on all open positions in ATLAS via the ATLAS homepage.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply online". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.