Postdoc Positions in Proteomics and Genomics at University of Copenhagen

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Two highly attractive postdoctoral positions are available in the Choudhary group at the University of Copenhagen.

About the groups
The Choudhary lab is technically and internationally diverse and embedded in an excellent environment that supports high-quality research and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. The Choudhary lab conducts research using interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art technologies, including quantitative proteomics, next-generation nucleic acid sequencing, advanced microscopy, CRISPR-based genome editing, and bioinformatics. The lab uses diverse cell models, including embryonic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives.

The group extensively collaborates with top-level international researchers, routinely publishes in top-ranked journals, and has an outstanding track record in training the next generation of researchers. The major publications from the groups include Prus et al. Cell 2024, Narita et al. Nat. Genet. 2023, Narita et al. Mol Cell. 2021, Narita et al. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2019, Weinert and Narita et al. Cell 2018, Gupta et al. Cell 2018, Scholz et al. Nat Biotech 2015, Weinert et al., Mol Cell 2013, Povlsen and Beli et al. Nat Cell Biol 2012, and Beli et al. Mol Cell 2012.

We are now looking for enthusiastic postdocs with a PhD and/or MD (i.e. level of education corresponding to the Danish PhD degree).

Project description
Our group works in the broad area of proteomics, genomics, and cell signaling. In this project, we are interested in understanding the scope and function of lysine acetylation in gene regulation, as well as to understand the mechanisms of gene activation by cis-regulatory enhancers. Recently, the group identified histone H2BNTac as a new signature of bona fide enhancers (Narita et al. Nat Genet 2023), and discovered principles of cell-type-specific quantitative variation in gene expression (Narita et al. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.07.18.500456v2). In the envisioned projects, we aim to use quantitative proteomics and genomics to further understand the role of acetylation and other chromatin modifications in gene regulation. The project will combine CRISPR-based genome editing with NGS-based approaches (i.e. RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq) and cell biological approaches to uncover new regulatory pathways and decipher underlying mechanisms.

Depending on the candidate's background, the postdoc candidate will either perform wet laboratory experiments involving cultured mammalian cells, CRISPR, and NGS-based genomic technologies, or proteomics technologies to generate large-scale datasets and to understand cellular regulatory mechanisms. Candidates with interest in data analysis are expected to perform bioinformatic analyses of next-generation sequencing data, including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, Nascent-seq, and ATAC-seq. Candidates with experience in both wet lab and bioinformatics will be able to do both (i.e. work in the wet lab and perform bioinformatics analyses). If you would like to know more about the project(s), please contact us

The postdoc position is funded by a newly funded ERC advanced grant (Oct 2024- Sept. 2029), with additional funding from Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Tentative start date: November 2024 or later. The start date can be negotiated.

Qualifications
The candidate should have demonstrated excellent scientific productivity, evidenced by high-quality research publications, be able to conduct independent and creative research, and show good interpersonal and communication skills.

• The candidate is required to have a PhD/MD level of education corresponding to the Danish PhD degree in natural or medical science.
• Excellent scientific track record, including at least one publication in a high-quality, peer-reviewed international journal. Pre-prints can be counted for fulfilling this requirement.
• Expert knowledge in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:
• Prior experience in the area of epigenetics, and gene transcription regulation.
• Hands-on experience in generating datasets for ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq.
• Hands-on experience in quantitative mass spectrometry for analyzing proteins, their modifications, and protein-protein interactions.
• Hands-on experience in bioinformatic analyzing next-generation sequencing datasets, such as ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq.
• Experience in computer programming languages, such as R, Python.
  Strong background in the statistical analysis of large-scale data.
• Experience in molecular biology techniques, including proficient use of CRISPR-based genome editing.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• An analytical aptitude for devising innovative scientific or technical solutions.

Place of employment and work
The employment is at CPR (www.cpr.ku.dk), University of Copenhagen, located in central Copenhagen. In the past 10 years, CPR has established itself as a top-level research institute in protein signaling and network biology research. The research environment at CPR is ambitious and international, with approx. 30 different nationalities currently represented. The Center comprises modern laboratories, supercomputer resources, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Seminars with high-profile international speakers and regular internal research seminars are organized at the Center. Denmark is often ranked as the happiest nation and Copenhagen is consistently ranked as one of the best cities for living. For more information on working and living in Denmark visit www.ism.ku.dk (International staff mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

Terms of salary and employment
Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Academics Central organization. Currently, the monthly salary is around 34.622 DKK approx. 4,656 €, plus 17.1% in pension contribution. Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

The Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) have agreed on a protocol that makes it possible for all international researchers employed by the University to achieve a pension exemption, where the pension can be paid out as salary. For more information about the different pension schemes visit www.ism.ku.dk/onarrival/pension/.

Duration: The duration of the full-time position is 2 years with a possibility of extension (depending on performance, and previous employment at the University of Copenhagen).

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking 'APPLY NOW' below or via this advertisement found at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/.

Your application should include the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae, incl. educational qualifications, experience, and a list of publications.
2. A scanned copy of the final degree (PhD or equivalent) certificate. If the degree is not yet awarded, it is sufficient to mention in the cover letter when the applicant expects to submit the thesis, and/or receive the qualifying degree.
3. Names and contact details for 2-3 referees.

The applicants can submit these materials in the given fields in the online submission system. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the above-mentioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in October 2024.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe's top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Employment start: 15-11-2024

Working hours: Full time

Contact: University of Copenhagen
ku@ku.dk