Postdoctoral Position to Study Adipocyte Signalling Using Advanced Functional Genomics

Center for Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN) invites applications from outstanding postdoctoral candidates who are interested in joining our team efforts to understand adipocyte signalling states. The postdoctoral fellow will be affiliated with the Mandrup Group. The position is available from 15 January 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 1 January 2021.

ADIPOSIGN
The ADIPOSIGN centre was established in 2019 through a major grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and runs for a period of six years. We combine experimental and computational systems approaches to obtain unprecedented insights into how fat cells receive and respond to signals at the level of the (epi)-genome and the cell membrane. Our goal is to understand how the signalling states of adipocytes depend on depot, gender, and genetic variation, and how changes in these signalling states during development of obesity contribute to the pathophysiological consequences of obesity.

The centre involves the following PIs:

• Susanne Mandrup, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark (Director)
• Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark
• M. Madan Babu, Director, Center of Excellence for Data Driven Discovery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, US
• Zach Gerhart-Hines, Associate Professor, Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen.

The Mandrup Group
The Mandrup Group has a long-standing interest in understanding the molecular cross-talk between transcriptional regulation and metabolism in adipocytes and pancreatic β-cells and to understand the molecular basis for the plasticity of cells in the adipose tissue and endocrine pancreas. We also have a long-time interest in the transcriptional network regulating lineage determination and differentiation of adipocyte progenitors. Our laboratory combines genome-wide studies of factor binding, epigenetic marks and chromatin structure with detailed molecular analyses of the crosstalk between transcriptional regulators. We run an inhouse sequencing platform including single cell sequencing and bioinformatic pipeline.

Susanne Mandrup is Director of ADIPOSIGN as well as the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS), and she heads the Functional Genomics and Metabolism Research Unit.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit
The Mandrup group as well as the centre administration of ATLAS and ADIPOSIGN 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 as it pertains to the regulation of cellular 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 the Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Research Project and Role
As a postdoc in ADIPOSIGN you will be one of the main drivers of this highly ambitious and interdisciplinary project. You will interact and collaborate closely with other researchers in the Mandrup group as well as with members of the groups of Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld (Odense), Zach Gerhart-Hines (Copenhagen), and M. Madan Babu (St. Jude, TN, US). You will investigate adipocyte signalling states in isolated murine and human adipocytes using an array of functional genomics, proteomics and computational approaches. Some of these findings will be translated into functional studies in transgenic mouse models. You will also implement other experimental methods for analysis of adipocytes. You are expected to provide substantial general input to projects in our groups, and you will have the opportunity to develop your own ideas within our research frame.

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated and ambitious scientists with:

• A PhD degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology
• Documented expertise in adipocyte biology, mouse models and/or NGS data analysis
• Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science (EU function ABD or similar) (preferable)
• Ideally at least one first author publication in a relevant journal in the field
• 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 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 Centre Director Professor Susanne Mandrup, [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:
• A motivation letter (max. one page).
• A curriculum vitae including information on education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position.
• Copy of PhD certificate. If awaiting PhD, provide a written statement from the supervisor.
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely.
• At least two letters of reference (with referee contact details and relationship). Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please direct them to: [email protected]. Please note that letters of reference also need to reach us before the 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.

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.