Research Assistant Professor in Functional Genomics

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 a research assistant professor in Functional Genomics for three years from 1 January 2021. Application deadline: 19 November 2020.

ATLAS
Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) at the 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
ATLAS is hosted by the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit at the 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). In addition to the ATLAS Center of Excellence, the unit also hosts the Center for Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN) recently supported by a major grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The position as Research Assistant Professor in Functional Genomics
As research assistant professor in Functional Genomics in ATLAS you are expected to lead a research programme in ATLAS focusing on aspects of adipose tissue plasticity in obesity and regression. You will be an integral part of the Mandrup Group and will collaborate closely with other members in the group as well as with other researchers in ATLAS. You will also be expected to supervise students working on ATLAS projects.

The position is non-tenured; however, it is expected that you in the course of three years develop an independent cutting-edge research programme that will qualify you for independent career grants that can extend your position. You will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the study programmes of the department and will receive pedagogical training.

Requirements and Opportunities
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious candidates with:
• A PhD degree in Molecular Biology or Biomedicine
• Documented expertise in mouse models, functional genomics and advanced NGS data analyses
• A publication track record with first author publications in leading international journals
• Documented experience in teaching
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and a desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment.

We offer:
• An assistant professor position for three years
• The opportunity to be part of the highly ambitious and interdisciplinary research environment of ATLAS
• A stimulating, collaborative, and international research environment
• 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 on e-mail: [email protected].

Application, salary etc.
Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The application must be in English and include the following:
• A letter of motivation (max. one page)
• A curriculum vitae incl. education, work/research experience, teaching experience and other skills relevant for the position
• A full list of publications
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results and research plans for the next three years
• A description of the research programme of the applicant outlining how the candidate expects to integrate into the ATLAS project as well as how the candidate expects to use this platform to build an independent research career
• A description of the teaching experience and strategies for teaching
• At least two signed reference letters (with referee contact details and relationship). Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them directed to the Science Faculty administration (e-mail: [email protected]) mentioning your name and title of the position in the subject line. Please note that the letters need to reach us before the application deadline.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

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

Please note that applicants are expected to have completed their PhD.

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

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.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

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