PhD Fellowship in Transcriptional Networks in Adipocyte Plasticity

The Mandrup Group and Center for Adipocyte Signaling – ADIPOSIGN, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as a PhD fellow.

The position is available from 1 September 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 31 July 2023.

ADIPOSIGN
ADIPOSIGN is a centre established for a seven-year period (2019-26) 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, sex, 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.

Research Project and Role
As a PhD fellow, you will be working in the Mandrup Group within the framework of the interdisciplinary ADIPOSIGN project. Here the focus of the Mandrup Group is to investigate the transcriptional and epigenomic mechanisms leading to sex and depot specific properties of mature adipocytes in humans and mice, and to investigate how obesity affects adipocyte function in the different depots. Currently, we are investigating the transcriptional changes in mouse adipocytes from different depots and sex during short-term exposure high fat diet, and we are developing network models to understand how these changes are linked to metabolic pathways and signalling states of adipocytes. Similarly, we are isolating adipocytes from human biopsies and investigating differences in transcription and signalling states between different depots, sex, and body fat composition.

As a PhD student, you will work closely with postdocs and other PhD students on the project to solve key questions within the broader scope of the project. You will apply a range of biochemical, cellular, and physiological assays to determine functional properties of adipocytes, using next generation sequencing-based technologies as main hypothesis-generating approach. Your work will primarily be experimental; however, you will also have ample opportunities to train your computational skills in collaboration with the Babu Group. Through this collaboration, you will furthermore have the opportunity to integrate your data with other types of available large-scale data to infer molecular network models for adipocyte signalling.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit
The Mandrup Group is based 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 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 Fellowship Qualifications/Requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:
• A completed or an ongoing Master’s degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology. If you have not yet completed your master programme, you can apply to be enrolled in our 4+4 PhD programme, which is a way to commence the PhD study whilst concurrently completing the master programme.
• Experience with cell biology or NGS data analysis is required. Knowledge about transcriptional regulation is 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. If you fulfil the requirements for enrolment in the 4+4-PhD programme, the position is for four years.
• Enrolment 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, teaching etc.
• Research exchange to collaborating institution, depending on the interest of the PhD student.
• 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 (students who have completed their MSc) or four years (students who have not yet completed their
MSc). 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 made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including 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 (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.