Postdoctoral position in gene regulation and novel sequencing methods

Department of Biology

Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The Department of Biology invites applicants for a Postdoctoral position in gene regulation and the development of sequencing methods to understand and resolve tissue development. The start date is (expected to be) the 1st of June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is offered within the Tissue Gene Regulation Lab headed by Robert Krautz and offered for two years with possible extension.

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). Further efforts of the lab to device additional experimental methods aiming at enhancer biology during development and disease progression will benefit the work of this project greatly. The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of interdisciplinary scientists in e.g., bioinformatics, cell biology, molecular biology and genomics.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a genuinely 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 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 seen as an advantage. Importantly, the applicant should have a strong interest in gene regulation and enhancer biology as well as a desire to work on an interdisciplinary project bridging single cell-genomics, method development, molecular 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 PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a related discipline with extensive experience in experimenlal lab work
• Documented experience in advanced cell and organoid culture techniques, molecular cloning and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
• Documented experience in preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries, sequencing method development and optimization
• A strong publication record, including one or more first-author papers in reputable journals in genomics, bioinformatics, or cancer biology
• 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 http://tgrIab.org.

The Tissue Gene Regulalion lab adheres to the MentorFirst (see https://mentorfirst.orq) 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 the 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 scientific, technical and experimental work. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Robert Krautz, garciarussellvthompsonrobert.krautz@bond-bushyoungbio.ku.dk.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct independent and collaborative research within the project’s scope and may also contribute to teaching and supervision within the department.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assistant Professor Robert Krautz, garciarussellvthompsonrobert.krautz@bond-bushyoungbio.ku.dk.

The position is open from the 1st of June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

Apply

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please, include:

1. Letter of interest, outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent) 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. Complete publication list

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

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 15 March 202****6, 23:59 GMT +1.

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.

Application and Assessment Procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The authorized recruitment manager 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 http://employment.Ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.