PhD position in Single Cell and Drug Repositioning Studies of Healthy and Unhealthy Human Adipose Tissue

Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining the Schmidt group at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark as a PhD student. The position is available from 1 January 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Application deadline: 27 October 2023.

Research project:
Obesity is a major driver of metabolic complications such as type two diabetes (T2D), and steatotic liver disease. Interestingly, the metabolic consequences of obesity affect individuals to different degrees (i.e., healthy versus unhealthy obesity), opening the possibility of exploiting naturally occurring protective mechanisms for therapy.
The successful candidate will investigate mechanisms underlying so-called ‘healthy obesity’ related to human adipose tissue. We will apply advanced single cell sequencing technologies on fat biopsies obtained from subjects living with obesity discordant for associated complications such as T2D and steatotic liver disease. Insight from these analyses will help the identification of key transcriptional and signaling mediators causally associated with healthy (and unhealthy) adipose tissue that can be explored therapeutically with the aim to prevent development of obesity comorbidities. To this end, we will combine computational drug repositioning analyses with cell culture studies and cell type directed delivery in animal models of metabolic disease.

The Schmidt Group:
Assistant Professor Søren Schmidt is a recipient of an EFSD/Novo Nordisk Foundation Future Leaders Award from 2022. 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 and cell culture studies with targeting strategies in animal disease models.

As member of the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS), a key research focus in the group, is understanding cellular diversity and communication determining different interindividual phenotypic outcomes of obesity.

Research environment:
The project 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. The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit currently hosts eight 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 stipend qualifications/requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:
• A master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology.
• Experience with cell biology or NGS data analysis is required. Competence in adipose tissue biology, mouse physiology, immunology, 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 PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program
• 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 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 on the position and project, contact Assistant Professor Søren F. Schmidt, telephone +45 6550 2361 / e-mail: [email protected]

Applications will be evaluated by Center Director of ATLAS, Prof. Susanne Mandrup.

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 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 interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (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
• 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.