PhD Fellowship in Adipose Tissue Systems Biology and Metabolic Disease

The Center for Adipocyte Signaling – ADIPOSIGN at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as a PhD fellow. The PhD fellow will be affiliated with the Kornfeld Group.

The position is available from 1 June 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 1 April 2022.

ADIPOSIGN

ADIPOSIGN is a centre established for a six-year period (2019-25) through a major 60M DKK grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We combine experimental and computational systems approaches to obtain unprecedented, multifaceted molecular insights into how fat cells receive and respond to metabolic signals at the level of the (epi)-genome, transcriptome, and cell surface. 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 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, Endowed Chair, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, USA

• Zach Gerhart-Hines, Associate Professor, Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen

The Functional Genomics & metabolism Research Unit

The Kornfeld group as well as the centre administration of ADIPOSIGN are located in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The research unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on various aspects of functional genomics as they pertain to the regulation of cellular differentiation as well as pathophysiological and molecular regulation in obesity. The Research Unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment and has state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, supercomputing, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital and international partners.

Research Project and Role

As a PhD fellow in ADIPOSIGN you will be engaged in this highly ambitious and interdisciplinary project as part of the Kornfeld group. You will interact and collaborate closely with researchers in the Mandrup group as well as with members of the groups of Zach Gerhart-Hines (Copenhagen) and M. Madan Babu (Memphis). You will investigate adipocyte signalling states in isolated murine and human adipocytes using advanced (surface) proteomic, metabolomic and computational approaches. 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 a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Life Science, preferabley Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology.
• Documented experience with adipocyte biology and transgenic mouse models of metabolic disease and pathophysiology.
• Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science (EU function ABD or similar).
• 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 Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld, tel.: +45 6550 3904, e-mail: [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 letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. one pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information, education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position, publications/manuscripts
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades. If awaiting Master's diploma, provide a written statement from the supervisor
• At least one signed reference letters (with referee contact details and relationship). 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.

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.