Research assistant position in kidney regeneration research on pluripotent stem cells for modelling kidney disease and using engineering
Professor Melissa Little, incoming Executive Director of reNEW Copenhagen, is looking to establish a research laboratory focused on the use of pluripotent stem cells for modelling kidney disease and using engineering to understand tissue morphogenesis. She is seeking highly motivated and technically skilled research assistant candidates preferably with experience in pluripotent stem cells, cell and molecular biology.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW has its Hub at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) as well as nodes at UCPH, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Leiden University Medical Center. Researchers within reNEW addresses fundamental questions in stem cell and developmental biology and will pivot research findings to clinical outcomes and products for patients with incurable disorders such as congenital kidney and heart disorders, type 1 diabetes and Parkinsons’ disease.
A research assistant role is available in the group of Professor Melissa Little at reNEW Copenhagen. This may be converted to a PhD after one year to be followed by a further 3 years of candidature. The team will focus on the fundamental processes of morphogenesis during stem cell patterning to kidney tissue in vitro in order to develop novel approaches to disease modelling and tissue engineering. The application of gene-edited stem cells to recapitulate disease phenotypes as accurate models of inherited kidney disease is hoped to drive the development of novel treatments for genetic forms of kidney disease. To achieve this, the group utilizes human pluripotent stem cells, advanced gene editing, cellular bioprinting, state-of the-art transcriptomic and imaging approaches and bioinformatic data analyses. Starting date for this position is the 1 October 2022, or upon agreement with selected candidates.
Job description:
We are seeking highly motivated and technically skilled research assistant candidates with a strong background in cell and molecular biology, including pluripotent stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Applicants will be preferred with prior experience in stem cell culture, advanced molecular biology and confocal imaging. There is a possibility that this position may convert to a PhD after one year for a 3-year PhD candidature.
Qualifications:
- Candidates must hold a Master degree in biology or similar, with a track-record of successful scientific work.
- Candidates are preferred with a strong background in molecular biology, cell biology and/or live cell imaging.
- Previous experience in pluripotent stem cell culture is considered an advantage.
- Good English communication skills, both oral and written, are prerequisite for the successful candidate.
Terms of salary, work, and employment :
The employment is planned to start 1 October 2022 or upon agreement with the chosen candidate. The employment is initially for 1 year. The terms of employment are set according to the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization.
The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of December 11, 2019.
Questions:
For further information contact Professor Melissa Little, Melissa.Little@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, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY below.
The application must include:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae incl. education, experience, previous employments, language skills and other relevant skills
- Reference letters (if any)
- List of publications
- Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other 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. As a prerequisite for employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Application deadline: June 30, 2022
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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
Interviews are expected to be held in weeks 29-31
University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.
Info
Application deadline: 30-06-2022Employment start: 01-10-2022Working hours: Full timeDepartment/Location: reNEW NNF Center for Stem Cell Medicine