Postdoc in chromatin biology and cell-fate decisions, characterises multifunctional metabolic proteins and their transcriptional crosstalk

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc for a 3-year position, to join the group of Associate Professor Kedar Natarajan from July 1st 2022 or soon thereafter.

Our research
Our group investigates how individual cells undertake cell-fate decisions in stem cells and complex tissues, particularly in development and during differentiation. We develop, utilise experimental methods including single-cell transcriptomics, ATAC-seq, functional genomics approaches, and also develop computational methods and analysis approaches.

We are interested in understanding regulation of transcriptional, cell cycle and gene-regulatory networks within different cell types, based on experimental bulk and single-cell NGS data generated in the lab. In this project, we are aiming to characterise candidate proteins and investigate how they influence and govern cell states in stem cells (ESC/iPSCs) and across metastatic tissues.

Our science and team is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, and we welcome new members with varied competences in relevant fields. More details can be found at: http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to work on a project that characterises multifunctional metabolic proteins and their transcriptional crosstalk with stem cell machinery. The project is highly interdisciplinary and will include primarily experimental work (i.e., molecular biology, stem cell culture, cloning, CRISPR-Cas, RNA-seq, ChIP/ATAC-seq, NGS library preparation). Interest and/or previous computational experience is welcome and would be useful to the project. 

The tasks among others include generating transgenic stem cell lines, disease models, in vitro experiments to investigate cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation (using cell imaging systems), alongside bulk (RNA, ATAC, ChIP) NGS-based characterisation and single-cell methods. You will be part of a collaborative research team that strives for scientific excellence, and works together for similar overall goals. Training and help in all relevant areas will be provided and supported by the team and section. We rely on each other in practical day-to-day settings as well as for scientific development of the projects. We expect you to carry this team spirit, and at the same time, you will be given a high level of independence to drive and develop this project.

We seek a motivated individual with a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a comparable field with extensive experience in experimental lab-work. A strong background in stem cells, chromatin biology and NGS library preparation is expected from the candidate. Experience with CRISPR-Cas systems, cancer biology and computational analysis of NGS data are considered a plus. We also welcome applications from PhD students expected to graduate. As a part of a multidisciplinary team and research environment, the candidate is expected to be passionate about science, hardworking, learning oriented and work collectively within the group and with collaborators.

Profile
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with following competences:

Essential experience and skills:

  • A PhD in Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a related discipline, with extensive experience in experimental lab-work
  • Documented experience in stem cell biology and sequencing based approaches (RNAseq, ATACseq, ChIPseq etc.,)
  • A high proficiency in spoken and written English

Desirable experience and skills:

  • Prior experience with CRISPR-Cas and genome editing systems
  • Experience in analysis NGS datasets
  • Prior experience in disease models

You will work at the DTU Bioengineering, and interacting locally with other groups at DTU Bioengineering and Health Technology. A collaborative mindset is expected as well as a proven ability to work in teams and communicate scientific research through presentations and submitted manuscripts. Working independently and charting research direction are valued. If you are highly driven, you will have opportunities to write grants for further strengthening research opportunities and participate in the broader collaborations.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Kedar Natarajan (kenana@dtu.dk)

You can read more about the lab at http://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/Kedar-Natarajan and DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 May 2022 (Danish time).  

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Cover/motivation letter of application (max. 2 pages).
  • CV incl. education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position.
  • PhD certificate (if not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will be accepted
  • List of publications
  • Contact information of 2-3 referees

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing  bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards  personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life  science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and  scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has  extensive collaborations with national and international research units  and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 340 employees, of which 2/3  are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.                                             

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Apply for this job

Apply no later than 30 May 2022
Apply for the job at DTU Bioengineering by completing the following form.

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