Postdoc Positions in Translational Cancer Research

Application deadline: 30 November 2024 at 23.59 hours local Danish time.
Three postdoc positions are available at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU under the umbrella of the translational cancer hub initiative. This initiative aims to bridge basic cancer research at the university with clinical research at Odense University Hospital (OUH), and you will therefore be part of an ambitious, international, and collaborative translational cancer research environment. Each postdoc will be based in one of the research groups headed by Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos (cellular senescence) or Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk (gene regulation in breast cancer). The positions are available from 1 February-1 April 2025 or soon thereafter. Application deadline is 30 November 2024.

Research Projects

Cellular senescence and cancer
One postdoc position is available in the lab of Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos (Galanos group) at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Galanos lab focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind cellular senescence and its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The successful candidate will lead a research project that bridges basic and translational cancer research, aiming to understand how cells escape senescence and identify new therapeutic targets to prevent cancer evolution. You will employ advanced techniques such as high-content microscopy, CRISPR-based screening, and a range of multi-omics approaches in both in vitro models and patient-derived organoids. Prior experience with microscopy, CRISPR gene editing, and quantitative analyses is preferred, while expertise in molecular biology, and cellular signalling will be an asset.

Selected references:

• Magkouta S et al., 2023. A novel fluorophore-conjugated reagent enabling rapid detection, isolation and live tracking of senescent cells. Molecular Cell, 5;83(19):3558-3573.e7
• Zampetidis CP et al., 2021. A recurrent chromosomal inversion suffices for driving escape from oncogene-induced senescence via subTAD reorganization. Molecular Cell, 81:4907-23 e8.
• Galanos P et al., 2018. Mutational signatures reveal the role of RAD52 in p53-independent p21-driven genomic instability. Genome Biology 16;19(1):37
• Galanos P et al., 2016. Chronic p53-independent p21 expression causes genomic instability by deregulating replication licensing. Nat Cell Biol 18(7):777-89
• Jakobsen et al., 2024. MYC activity at enhancers drives prognostic transcriptional programs through an epigenetic switch. Nat Genet. 56(4):663-674.
• Siersbæk et al., 2020. IL6/STAT3 signaling hijacks ER enhancers to drive breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Cell 38(3):412-423.e9.
• Papachristou et al., 2018. A quantitative mass spectrometry-based approach to monitor the dynamics of endogenous chromatin-associated protein complexes. Nat Commun. 9(1):2311.

Gene regulation in breast cancer
Two postdoc positions are available in the lab of Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk (Siersbaek group) at BMB, SDU. Here you will lead a translational research project focused on the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlling breast cancer treatment responses and progression. You will integrate loss- and gain-of-function tools (e.g. CRISPR/Cas and degron systems) with a range of advanced omics approaches in pre-clinical model systems such as cell lines, patient-derived tumor organoids and xenograft mouse models. The goal is to uncover key gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling breast cancer biology that can potentially provide new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of this disease. Expertise in functional genomics methods (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq) and omics data analysis as well as mouse work is considered advantageous.

Selected references:

Lab and Research Environment
You will be based in the group of Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos or Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk at BMB, who have a long-standing interest in the role of cellular senescence in cancer (Galanos) and the gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling cancer biology (Siersbæk). These groups are both affiliated with the translational cancer hub at SDU and OUH. You will therefore be part of an international, supportive, dynamic and ambitious research environment with a strong scientific and social network for postdoctoral fellows and good mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in all aspects of cancer biology. The close ties between the basic and translational research at SDU and the clinical research at OUH provides a unique opportunity to translate your findings into a clinical setting through local collaborations. In addition, both groups have extensive international networks in the cancer field providing a great setting for establishing international collaborations and developing your independent career.

Your Profile
We are looking for highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative postdocs to lead the three translational cancer projects outlined here. In addition to the specific skills highlighted for each project above, you have:

• A PhD in Life Science, e.g. Molecular Biology or Biomedicine.
• Expertise in cancer biology.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We Offer

• A postdoc position (two to three years depending on the project) in a stimulating, international, and supportive research environment.
• An extensive network of basic cancer researchers and clinicians as part of the translational cancer hub initiative bridging basic and clinical research at SDU and OUH.
• Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management, oral and written communication, and networking.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
• A supportive scientific and social network for students and postdocs, including mentoring and career development.
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.).
• Support with practical, social and legal aspects (e.g. housing, visa, tax etc.) through our international staff office (ISO) and the department.
  

For further information please contact the relevant researcher:

Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos at [email protected] or +45 5264 8204
Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk at [email protected] or +45 6550 2492.

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 (only available in Danish) and taxation.

Your application must be in English and include the following:

• A motivation letter describing your research interests, qualifications (including a brief description of your PhD), and motivation for applying to one or more of the projects in this call (max one page).
• CV including personal contact information, education, work/research experience and relevant skills.
• List of publications and manuscripts.
• Copy of PhD diploma. If awaiting PhD diploma, provide a written statement from your supervisor.
• The names and complete contact details of at least two references.
  

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 now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

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

Placering: Odense, Denmark