Consent Preferences Postdoctoral Fellowship in Single Cell and Synthetic Biology – Scholar Idea

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Single Cell and Synthetic Biology, focuses on  transcriptional coordination of macrophage diversity and plasticity

The Schmidt group at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our group as a postdoctoral fellow. The position is available from 1 August 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 1 June 2022.

Research project
Research in the Schmidt group focuses on  transcriptional coordination of macrophage diversity and plasticity in metabolic health and disease. For this, we combine single cell analyses of clinical samples and viral targeting strategies in animal models. In a project recently funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, we will develop a new method for generation of cell type specific viral drivers.


The recent explosion in single cell sequencing technologies has unravelled a remarkable heterogeneity and plasticity of cell types within and across organs throughout the body, however, tools to specifically target specific cell types and states to explore their importance for development, physiology, and homeostasis are lacking. In this project, you will help bridge this gap by developing and testing different computational and experimental strategies for learning the cis regulatory code of specific cell types in vivo. This knowledge will be transformed into a method for rapid development of synthetic viral drivers and single cell assessment of their cell type specificity.

We expect the project to outline a general strategy for rapid development of tools to study rare cell types in their in vivo context. This may involve loss of function studies by delivery of RNAi or CRISPR systems for single gene studies or for pooled single cell screens or lineage tracing by delivery of fluorescence markers. The project thereby also has the potential to improve specificity of gene therapies in the future.

Research environment
The project will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary expertise in the ATLAS Center of Excellence headed by Professor Susanne Mandrup, and in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit (FGM), at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. FGM currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on various aspects of gene regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular identity, differentiation, and metabolism. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Postdoc qualifications/requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidate with:

  • A PhD degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Biology.
  • Experience with cell biology or NGS data analysis. Experience with cloning, virus production, animal work, and/or transcriptional regulation is considered an advantage.
  • Documented experience leading a research project.
  • Strong communication and collaborative skills and a desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English.


We offer:

  • A two-year postdoc position in a stimulating and supportive, international research environment.
  • Training in a wide range of skills including leadership, research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of grants and manuscripts etc..
  • Mentoring and career development.
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
  • Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators.
  • A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.).
  • Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department.

For further information please contact Assistant Professor Søren Fisker Schmidt (sfs@bmb.sdu.dk).


Application, salary etc.
The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

The application must include the following:
• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment.
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

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

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply online”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply before you apply.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Send application
Deadline 2022-June-01

You can apply for the job at Faculty of Science by completing the application form

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