Epithelial cell renewal: dissecting the reciprocal interactions between mechanical forces and genetics during development, homeostasis, and regeneration of tissues

The Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem) at Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen is looking for a Research assistant subsequent appointed as PhD fellow to join the Sedzinski group starting September 2017 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

The position as Research assistant is for 1 year. The position as PhD fellow is for 3 years.

DanStem comprises of two sections: The Novo Nordisk Foundation Section for Basic Stem Cell Biology, where we address basic research questions in stem cell and developmental biology (BasicStem). The second Section for Strategic Translational Stem Cell Research and Therapy (TransStem) is focused on the translation of promising basic research results into new strategies and targets for the development of new therapies for cancer and diabetes. Find more information about the Center at http://danstem.ku.dk/.

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious candidate to join the Sedzinski lab with the following project:
Job description
The Sedzinski lab (http://danstem.ku.dk/research1/sedzinski-laboratory/) is interested in understanding mechanics of epithelial tissue homeostasis and morphogenesis. Particularly, we want to determine both the mechanics and molecular regulation of epithelial cell renewal. For this, we study how forces generated by the actomyosin cytoskeleton and adhesion molecules shape and move epithelial cell progenitors within tissues. We use high-resolution microscopy to image dynamics of progenitor cells, biophysical and theoretical methods to describe the forces, and genetic to perturb the system.

We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious candidates to join our team.
Qualifications
• Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biology, biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering, bio-informatics, or similar, and possess a general understanding of cell and developmental biology.
• Previous practical experience in quantitative biology, biophysics, computational biology, microscopy, and image processing is considered of great advantage.
• Publications and practical experience are beneficial.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisite for the successful candidate
Terms of salary, work, and employment
The employment is for 4 years, as research assistant is for 1 year and as PhD fellow for the following 3 years, and is scheduled to start on September 2017 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment as a PhD student is conditioned upon a positive assessment of the candidate´s research performance and enrolment in the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The PhD study must be completed in accordance with the ministerial orders from the Ministry of Education on the PhD degree and the University´s rules on achieving the degree.

The place of work is at DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). In addition to the basic salary a monthly contribution to a pension fund is added (17.1% of the salary).
The application must include:
1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills
3. Copy of diplomas/degree certificate(s)
Questions
For further information about the position please contact group leader Jakub Sedzinski, [Email Address Removed]
How to apply
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY below.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Only applications received in time and consisting of the above listed documents will be considered.
Applications and/or any material received after deadline will not be taken into consideration.

The application will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Assessment procedure
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk

Application deadline: June 30 2017

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the oldest university in Denmark. It is among the largest universities in Scandinavia and is one of the highest ranking in Europe. The University´s eight faculties include Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science, Social Sciences and Theology. www.ku.dk