Postdoc in Chromatin and Neural Disorders

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of chromatin and neural disorders as per 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for two years. Extension might be a possibility.

The Department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here.

About the research project

This research project addresses the critical gap in experimental models for systematically investigating the function of risk factors in neurological disorders. By leveraging human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology, we will establish hiPSC-derived brain cell models relevant to the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. These in vitro systems will be complemented by mouse models to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disease mechanisms. We will focus on elucidating chromatin regulatory processes and the interconnected gene expression programs that drive neurodevelopment and contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Your job responsibilities

As Postdoc in Chromatin and Neural Disorders, your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.

Your main tasks will consist of:

• Independent research of high international quality, including publication.
• Lead the development, optimization, and execution of stem cell-based brain cell differentiation, focusing on hiPSCs-derived neurons and microglia.
• Design and conduct in vivo experiments using mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders and brain inflammation.
• Run spatial omics approach including multiplexed protein imaging and transcriptomics.  
• Collect and analyze data from genome-wide sequencing, qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry.
• Maintain detailed electronic records of experimental procedures, results, and analyses. Prepare reports, manuscripts, and presentations for both internal meetings and external scientific conferences. 

You will report to Professor Kyung Min Noh.

Your competences

We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with studying epigenetic regulation in the neuronal system. You hold a PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Stem Cell Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field. You have a solid background in histone modification and chromatin regulation, and you’re experienced in working with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and hiPSC-derived brain cell models. You’re skilled in molecular biology techniques such as gene silencing and overexpression, qPCR, and flow cytometry, and you have experience working with mouse models. If you’re familiar with omics technologies and/or bioinformatics, that’s a definite advantage. You’re able to lead research projects and collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation and reach scientific milestones.

As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented, and able to contribute to a good work environment.

We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria.

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Kyung Min Noh tel.: (+49) 6221 387 8527.

Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews in week 42.

Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 484.214,84 and DKK 538.720,20 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (17.1 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff

Application

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant - postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/