Postdoctoral Fellowship in 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 postdoctoral fellow for three years. 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 will 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 fellow, may also involve research exchange to collaborating laboratories, including the Karpe laboratory at Oxford University. 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).

Postdoc qualifications/requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidate with:
• A PhD degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Biology.
• Experience with cell biology or NGS data analysis. Competence in adipose tissue biology, immunology, advanced microscopy, and/or transcriptional regulation would be an advantage.
• Documented experience in leading a research project.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and a desire to work 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 .
• Training in a wide range of skills including leadership, research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of grants and manuscripts etc..
• 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 or Assistant Professor Søren Fisker Schmidt.

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). International applicants may be entitled to reduced research taxation. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The application must be in English and include the following:
• A letter stating your specific interests, motivation, and qualifications for the project (max. two pages).
• Curriculum Vitae incl. education, previous and current work/research experience, and skills relevant for the position.
• Copy of PhD certificate. If awaiting PhD, provide a written statement from the supervisor.
• List of publications.
• 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 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 application 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. If awaiting PhD certificate, provide a written statement from the supervisor. 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.