Postdoctoral Positions in Single Cell Genomics and Computational Single-cell Biology in ATLAS

The Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications from outstanding postdoctoral candidates who are interested in joining our team. As a 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.

We currently have two open positions to be filled:
1) Two years postdoctoral position in functional genomics/single-cell genomics of adipose tissue, associated with the group of Professor and Centre Director Susanne Mandrup.
2) Two years postdoctoral position in computational single-cell biology, associated with the group of Assistant Professor Jesper Grud Skat Madsen.

Both positions are available from 1 January 2022. Application deadline: 25 November 2021.

ATLAS
ATLAS is a Centre of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation with the overarching aim to obtain systems-level, mechanistic and cell type-resolved understanding of adipose and hepatic tissue plasticity in response to severe obesity and weight loss. The centre applies a combination of functional genomics approaches, including single cell sequencing technologies, proteomics, in vivo targeting, and computational biology to study tissue plasticity in both mouse models and human biopsies.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit and the section for Data Science and Statistics
ATLAS and the Mandrup group are hosted by the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit (FGM) at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), SDU, while the Madsen group is currently translocating from BMB to the section for Data Science and Statistics (DSS) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, SDU.

FGM 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. FGM and BMB 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 Centre of Excellence, the unit also hosts the Center for Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN) supported by a major grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

The DSS currently hosts sixteen independent research groups focusing on various aspects of data science, including three groups working specifically with bioinformatics and computational biology. DSS have state-of-the-art computing facilities, including access to high performance computing systems, such as ABACUS 2.0.

Both FGM and DSS constitute international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environments.

The position as postdoc in single cell genomics of adipose tissue
You are expected to spearhead a project focusing on single cell genomics of adipose tissue plasticity in obesity-related complications. 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 and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the study programmes of the department.

The position as postdoc in computational single-cell biology
You are expected to spearhead a project using or developing computational single-cell biology methods to dissect tissue plasticity. You will be an integral part of the Madsen Group and will collaborate closely with other members in the group as well as with other researchers in ATLAS and at the DSS. You will also be expected to supervise students working on ATLAS projects and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching in the study programmes of the department.

Requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:
• 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.

For the position as Postdoc in single-cell genomics of adipose tissue, you should also:
• Hold a PhD degree in Molecular Biology or Biomedicine
• Have documented experience with cell biology, mouse models, and NGS data analysis
• Hold a certificate in Laboratory Animal Science (EU function ABD or similar) (preferable).

For the position as Postdoc in computational single-cell biology, you should also:
• Hold a PhD degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a closely related field
• Have documented experience with machine learning and/or single-cell RNA-seq analysis
• Be proficient in R, Python, or both.

We offer:
• Two two-year postdoc positions in stimulating and supportive, international research environments
• 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 Assistant Professor Jesper Grud Skat Madsen ([email protected]).

Application, salary etc.
The successful applicants 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 brief survey of the applicant's most important research results
• A brief description of the research plans for the next two years and how these will fit into the current ATLAS projects
• CV incl. education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position
• List of publications
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• Copy of PhD Diploma
• 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. 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.