Postdoctoral Positions to Study Adipose and Hepatic Tissue Plasticity Using Advanced Fu...

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 postdoctoral scientist. One postdoctoral scientist will be affiliated with the Mandrup Group, the other will be affiliated with the Ravnskjaer 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 Ravnskjaer groups as well as the center 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 Roles
As postdoctoral scientist in ATLAS you will engage in a highly ambitious and interdisciplinary project covering gene regulatory mechanisms involved in adipose and liver tissue plasticity. You will collaborate closely with researchers in the Mandrup and Ravnskjaer groups and with 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 Ravnskjaer Group and be responsible for investigation of the dynamic transcriptional regulation and cross-talk in the liver during development and reversal of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The studies will involve human patients and mouse models of the metabolic syndrome and focus on the non-parenchymal cell populations of the liver, their cross-talk with each other and with hepatocytes. Hands-on experience with mouse models, genome-wide studies of transcriptional regulation, next generation sequencing, and computational biology are considered an advantage. For further information please contact Associate Professor Kim Ravnskjaer ([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 populations. The work will use human biopsies as well as a range of mouse models. The postdoc will be responsible for the collaboration with the clinicians. 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 PhD degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Biology
• Documented experience with cell biology, mouse models, and NGS data analysis
• Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science (EU function ABD or similar) (preferably)
• At least one first-author publication in a relevant journal in the field
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and a desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We offer:
• A three-year postdoc 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 Kim Ravnskjaer ([email protected]).

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

The application must be in English and include the following:
• Letter of motivation (max. one page)
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment, education and skills relevant for the position
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely
• Copy of PhD certificate. If awaiting PhD, provide a written statement from supervisor.
• At least two signed reference letters (with referee contact details and relationship). Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please mail it to [email protected] mentioning your name and title of the position in the subject line. Please note that the letters need to reach us before application deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

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

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.

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