Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen is offering a position in molecular biology and bioinformatics for a Postdoc/assistant professor for the analysis of extrachromosomal circular DNA in 1 April 2024.
Job description – circular DNA as a marker for cancer Extrachromosomal DNA circles are known from tumors where they carry proto- oncogenes and can induce tumorigenesis (DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2022.02.007). Our recent data reveal that circular DNA is also found in blood plasma as circular circulating tumor DNA (circular ctDNA), suggesting that this new type of ctDNA can be an efficient marker for cancer. We now aim to find patterns of the circular DNA in blood plasma and tumors from pancreatic cancer that can serve as markers for cancer, relapse and prognosis of cancer. We will put emphasis on applying and developing cutting-edge purification and bioinformatics methods for identification of patterns in circular DNA and novel structural circular DNA variants. The position will include development of purification methods applicable for different cancers and bioinformatics analyses with output allowing for biological interpretations of the roles of circular DNA in cancer.
Description of the scientific environment You will be member of the Regenberg research team (Regenberg Lab). We explore the biology of circular DNA in eukaryotic systems taking advantage of our highly sensitive methods for detection and analysis of circular DNA in yeast, animals, and human cancer from whole genome data. You will be working in close contact with other scientists in bioinformatics, and experimentalists that purify, sequence and analyze the circular DNA in thousands of plasma and tumor samples from pancreatic-cancer patients. We offer an exciting international work environment in our renowned team with ample opportunities to develop a strong scientific career. The project will be carried out at the Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen.
The assistant professor's duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research- based teaching with associated examination obligations within circular DNA in cancer as described above. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.
The postdoc's duties will include research within circular DNA in cancer as described above as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Supervisor is Professor, Birgitte Regenberg , Department of Biology, [email protected] , direct phone: +4535321680. https: // www. regenberglab.net/; https: // www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/ecology- evolution/staff/?pure=en/persons/23899
The position is available for a 24-month period and your key task is to manage and carry through your research project.
Formal requirements Applicants should hold a PhD degree in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics or a similar discipline and must have expertise in programming (mainly R and/or Python). Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant work experience.
Further information on the Department is linked at https: // www. science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.
Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If you apply at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).
Assistant professorship
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen.
The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates.
Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https: // jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for- videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til- meritering/5aCriteriaforrecognisingmerit-Assistantprofessors.pdf .
Assessment will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.
Terms of employment The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
Filing of application
The application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
If you are applying for the assistant professorship, please include
If you are applying for the post doc position, please include
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
The deadline for applications is 12 February 2024, 23:59 CET.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
Interviews will be held between 13 to 20th March 2024.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee
You can read about the recruitment process at https: // employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.