Postdoc position in the Tissue Architecture Lab at reNEW

A postdoc position for 2 years is available in the group of Mariaceleste Aragona at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. Starting date for this position is the 1 August 2026, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Information on the department can be found here. Information on the Aragona lab can be found here.

Our research
The team studies the molecular mechanisms that dictate stem cell identity and govern stem cell fate in regenerating adult epithelia. The group aims to understand how different cell types coordinate their decisions to build tissues with specialized structure and function, with the long-term goal of developing replacement organs for regenerative therapies. This research project will involve the development of standardized methods to expand primary epithelial cells from human donors and the study of the molecular mechanisms of tissue regeneration. Starting date for this position is the 1 August 2026, or upon agreement with the chosen candidate.

Job description
We are seeking an enthusiastic post-doctoral candidate with a strong background in stem cell biology and tissue culture expertise. The candidate responsibilities will include establishing primary urothelial cell lines, define protocol for the stem cell self-renewal maintenance, expansion and differentiation of in vitro epithelial culture in 2D and 3D from tissue-specific human stem cells, generating and analyzing large -omics and imaging datasets. Collaboration with researchers within the group and the center, as well as external collaborators, will also be essential to drive the project forward effectively. The candidate is expected to integrate into and adhere to the group’s daily operational routines, including shared responsibilities, scheduling practices, and collaborative workflows.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD degree in cell/molecular/developmental/stem cell biology/ or similar, with a track-record of successful scientific work demonstrated by authorships in scientific publications.
• Essential: Candidates must have extensive experience in 2D and 3D culture of epithelial cells and organoids, and a strong background in cell imaging.
• Desirable: Previous experience in flow cytometry and large -omics dataset generation.
• Eligibility for European postdoctoral fellowship such as MSCA or EMBO is considered an advantage.
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
• A solution-oriented, organizational and positive mindset is required. The ability to work in a highly collaborative environment both independently and as part of the team is essential.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art facilities and instruments for flow cytometry, imaging, next-generation sequencing and cell engineering.

Terms of salary, work, and employment
The employment is planned to start 1 August 2026 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is for 2 years. The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The position will be at the level of postdoctoral fellow and the basic salary according to seniority. Depending on seniority the monthly salary starts between 39,200 – 41.300 DKK/approx. 5,245 - 5,525 EUR (November 2025 level). A supplement could be negotiated, dependent on the candidate ́s experiences and qualifications. In addition a monthly contribution of 18.07% of the salary is paid into a pension fund.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

The application must include

1. Motivation letter (it should describe your long-term research vision, the reason for applying to be part of our team and why you think you are the right candidate to fill this position).
2. Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills for the position.
3. List of three references (full address, incl. email and phone number).
4. List of publications.
5. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

Questions
For further information contact Associate Professor Mariaceleste Aragona, mariaceleste.aragona@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.

How to apply
The application, in English, can be submitted electronically via the link below.

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 applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 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: 17 March 2026, 23.59 CET

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