PhD Position to Study Single Cell Dissection of Healthy and Unhealthy Human Adipose Tissue

The Mandrup group 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 group as a PhD student. The position is available from 1 August 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 1 May 2022.

Research project
In a new project recently funded by the Health Insurance “danmark” we shall together with Assistant Professor Søren Fisker Schmidt investigate the mechanisms underlying the so-called healthy obesity associated with lower body fat deposition. We will use advanced single cell sequencing techniques, combined with spatial transcriptomics and a range of mechanistic follow-up studies to determine the cellular and molecular differences between fat biopsies from the abdominal and hip regions of people with apple- and pear-shaped obesity. Biopsies will be obtained through a close collaboration with Fredrik Karpe, professor at University of Oxford and director of the Oxford Biobank. Insight from this project will help the identification of key transcriptional and signalling mediators causally associated with healthy (and unhealthy) adipose tissue that can be explored therapeutically with the aim to prevent development of obesity comorbidities.

The Mandrup Group
The Mandrup Group has a long-standing interest in understanding the molecular crosstalk 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 Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) and Center of Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN).

The Schmidt Group
Research in the Schmidt Group focuses on transcriptional coordination of macrophage diversity and plasticity in metabolic health and disease. For this, we combine single cell analyses of clinical samples, cell culture studies, and viral targeting strategies in animal disease models. As a member of ATLAS, a key research focus in the group is understanding cellular diversity and communication determining differential interindividual phenotypic outcomes of obesity.

Research environment
The project will be carried out in close collaboration between the Mandrup and Schmidt Groups and will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary expertise in the ATLAS Center of Excellence. The work will primarily be carried out in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, but, depending on the interest of the student, may also involve research exchange to collaborating laboratories, including the Karpe laboratory at University of Oxford.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit currently hosts seven independent research groups focusing on various aspects of 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).

PhD qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:
• A Master’s degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology. The degree must be completed by the start of the PhD scholarship.
• Experience with cell biology or NGS data analysis. Competence in adipose tissue biology, immunology, advanced microscopy, or transcriptional regulation would be an advantage.
• 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 highly stimulating, supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Enrollment in the PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course programme.
• Training in a wide range of skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc..
• Research exchange to collaborating institution, depending on the interest of the PhD fellow.
• Mentoring and career development.
• 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, tel.: +45 6550 2340, 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 in English and include the following:

• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references).
• A letter stating your specific interests, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. two 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 two signed reference letters. 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. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

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.