Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications as post-doctoral fellow in RNA cell biology with expected start date from April 1st, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the post-doc project
What the project can offer: A two-year fully funded position, with possibility for extension at Roskilde University in the research group of Professor Dalgaard, affiliated with the RNA-META center in collaboration with Aarhus University and ETH Zürich and funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of the center collaboration is to enhance the efficiency and utility of RNA-therapeutics with focus on metabolic disease. The research is highly interdisciplinary, involving cell biologists, molecular biologists, chemists, and in vivo pharmacologists. The post-doctoral fellow will join the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy to obtain further training in specialized analyses and transferrable skills. The post-doc will attend scientific meetings and have the possibility for research stays at other institutions. For the right candidate, there will be excellent opportunities to influence the direction of the project.

Responsibilities and tasks
The postdoc’s work will include research within RNA cell biology. In addition, some amount of teaching is also required.

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Lead a specified project in the research group as a team member.
• Perform in vitro cell biology experiments investigating the mechanism of action of candidate RNA therapeutics in different cell models.
• Analyze efficiency and toxicity of lead RNA therapeutics.
• Work with advanced primary cell models of target organs (such as adipose tissue, islets of Langerhans, skeletal muscle, or neurons).
• Mentor younger or graduate students within the focus of the research project or with regard to experimental skills

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within cell biology, cellular physiology or molecular biology. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

The ideal candidate has an outstanding track record of accomplishments and a critical mindset. Moreover, an open mentality with focus on research communication, inter-disciplinary curiosity and teamwork will be required to succeed. Moreover, the following qualifications are relevant:

• Advanced experimental experience in cell biology is required.
• Experience with research in metabolic disease (obesity, type 2 diabetes or related field) will be highly valuable.
• It will be a significant advantage with prior experience in isolating and handling primary cells or tissue experiments, such as pancreatic islets, adipocytes, myocytes or neuronal explants. 
• Proficiency with R, Python or similar for data-analysis is required.

The ideal candidate should be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department and within the RNA-META center.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to:

• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Academic excellence and scientific production relevant to the field of RNA biology and metabolic disease.
• The ability to promote and utilize research results.
• Experience in mentorship and teaching.
• Ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
• Ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation.

The Department of Science and Environment
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within chemistry, physics, medical biology, molecular biology, environmental sciences and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes recently acquired NMR, mass spectrometry (LC- and GC-MS, including high-resolution measurements and proteomics), and microscopy (AFM, confocal and fluorescence) instruments, GMO class 1 and 2 labs, flow cytometry, NTA, coulter counter, NGS, Q-PCR facilities, pipetting robots, calorimetry (ITC and DSC), chromatography (HPLC), and scattering (DLS, SAXS) instruments.

The post-doctoral position is within the Section of Molecular and Medical Biology: Molecular and Medical Biology | Roskilde University (ruc.dk)

Read more about the Department of Science and Environment at: https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Professor Louise Dalgaard (tel. (+45) 4674 2713) or email: ltd@ruc.dk).

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time and you will refer to Dean Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.  

Application procedure 
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and – later on – their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application 
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/ 

Only applications in English are accepted. 

Applications must include: 

1. Cover letter 

2. CV 

3. Documentation of education 

4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here) 

5. A complete list of publications 

6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment  

   If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here) 

Please submit your application no later than 4 March 2024. 

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration. 

 

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Deadline: 2024-03-04 at 23:59
Unit: Institut for Naturvidenskab og Miljø/Department of Science and Environment

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.