PhD fellowship in gene regulation and single cell methodology

The Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in single cell-resolved gene regulation to understand tissue development. The start date is (expected to be) the 1st of April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is offered within the Tissue Gene Regulation lab headed by Robert Krautz.

The project

The development of human tissues relies on the regulated activation of subsets of genes in tissue-specific cell types. Tens of thousands of short DNA-sequences called enhancers are spread across the human genome and regulate the extent to which genes are activated in different cell types. Despite their role, it has so far been impossible to measure activity levels of enhancers in single cells. Hence, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project aiming to establish a novel method to measure the activity of enhancers and promoters in single cells and apply this method to disentangle the differentiation of cell types in developing tissues. This will allow to identify key gene regulalory mechanisms that define how cell types and tissues emerge.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and will include primarily experimental work (i.e., single cell method development, high throughput sequencing and library preparation, molecular biology, cell and organoid culture).

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a genuinely motivated individual with a MSc (or equivalent documentation) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a comparable field with extensive experience in experimental lab work. A strong background in molecular biology as well as RNA and chromatin laboratory work are expected from the candidate. A background in or experience with fundamental bioinformatics and genomics data processing would be beneficial. Prior industrial experience in deadline-oriented, production-focused and reproducible laboratory work is highly advantageous. Importantly, the applicant should have a strong interest in gene regulation and a desire to work on an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative project bridging single cell-genomics, method development and developmental biology. Continuous scientific discussions and a strong dedication for ongoing research questions within the group and amongst collaborators also require proactive participation and enthusiasm for problem solving.

In particular, we are looking for candidates with:

• A MSc (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a related discipline wilh extensive experience in experimenlal lab work

• Documented experience in usage and preferably development or optimization of single cell methods

• Documented experience in preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries, sequencing method development and optimization

• A high proficiency in spoken and written English

Our group and research

The Tissue Gene Regulalion lab bridges the gap between gene regulatory mechanisms, transcriptional activation of enhancers and promoters in single cells on the one hand and the development of tissues and its dysregulation during disease on the other. For this, we devise new genomics methods and single cell techniques - both experimentally and computationally - to profile enhancers and promoters, model their activities and decode their interactions. In this way, we can pinpoint the time point and cell type where genetic variants begin to disrupt normal development - crucial information to develop new diagnostic approaches and identify therapeutic targets. As a young group in an established environment, we bring our great enthusiasm for science and making a difference for future patients into an already established environment with all the necessary equipment and facililies. For more information, see

The Tissue Gene Regulalion lab adheres to the MentorFirst (see ) principle that emphasizes the value of the researcher behind the work. A productive, successful project is an emerging property of motivated, well mentored lab members that feel freedom in and ownership of their projects. The hope is that empowered and successful lab members will conlinue contributing to academia and society with sound scientific work after their stint in the lab.

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab is based in a highly collaborative environment in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, which is currently composed of 13 strong research groups. The Department of Biology is located at the Biocenter in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Due to its close proximity to the Biotech Research & Innovalion Centre (BRIC) as well as the Faculty of Health and Medical Science, collaborations across disciplines, groups and institutes are a natural part of the efforts in Ihe lab. We are especially connected to the Andersson lab in the same section due to our shared interest in gene regulation and several ongoing collaborations. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and computational infrastructure.

Principal and administrative supervisor is Associate Professor Robin Andersson. Roben Krautz, Assistant Professor and Group Leader of the Tissue Gene Regulalion lab, will supervise all technical and experimental work. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Robert Krautz,

The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the PhD programme

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have compleled a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see general assessments for specific countries and the assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 31,200 DKK/approx. 4,100 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry out an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / FTE

• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad

• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities

• Write scientific papers aimed at high impact-journals

• Write and defend a PhD thesis on Ihe basis of your project

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your applicalion including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. two pages)

2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science (or equivalent documentalion) and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.

4. A list of publications (if any)

5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 9 December 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at

Questions

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the Robert Krautz,

General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website: https //www

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Robert Krautz

E-mail:

Ansøgningsfrist:

Ansættelsesdato:

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Department of Biology