Postdoc in Stem Cell Biology and Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling - DTU Bioengineering

Postdoc needed with expertise in the field of Stem Cell Biology and Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling. Join a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, and exploring innovative differentiation protocols.
Do you have a passion for stem cell biology and neurodegenerative disease modeling, and are eager to contribute to breakthrough research? If you have extensive experience with pluripotent stem cells, cellular differentiation, and cellular pathology in neurodegenerative conditions, you might be the candidate we are looking for.

The overarching goal of this project is to drive advancements in genetic medicine through the development of innovative models for screening genetic mutations in iPSC-derived cells. Additionally, you will contribute to establishing cutting-edge model systems that enable rapid evaluation of novel genetic therapies.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) at the Technical University of Denmark invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of Stem Cell Biology and Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling. In this role, you will join a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing the understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, as well as exploring innovative differentiation protocols for pluripotent stem cells.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research focused on the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into microglia, and other defined cell types
• Optimize and benchmark culture conditions and differentiation protocols for hESC and iPSC lines
• Employ techniques such as qPCR, high-throughput cell profiling, mass spectrometry, and flow cytometry to analyze cellular and molecular outcomes
• Investigate early molecular changes in neurodegenerative disease models
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects involving single-cell sequencing, transcriptomics, and proteomics data analysis
• Contribute to student supervision and engage in course teaching
• Present findings at scientific conferences and in scientific publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Stem Cell Biology)
• Expertise in culturing, maintaining, and differentiating hESCs and iPSCs, including proficiency in embryoid body formation, macrophage precursor factory maintenance, and microglia differentiation
• Strong experience in cellular neurodegenerative disease modeling, especially with Parkinson’s disease cellular models
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques, including qPCR, RNA and DNA isolation, FACS analysis, and immunocytochemistry
• Hands-on experience with high-throughput profiling and data preparation for single-cell sequencing (10X Genomics) and mass spectrometry
• Demonstrated ability in data analysis of multi-omic datasets (scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq) using bioinformatics tools (e.g., R, Python, and Shell scripting)
• Experience with confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis software.

We seek a highly motivated and independent researcher with a track record of scientific excellence and a collaborative spirit.

If you are driven by innovative research and excited to advance the field of stem cell biology and to develop cutting-edge model systems, we encourage you to apply.

You become part of a strong research section that continuously aim to benefit society by being a key stakeholder in developing biomedical solutions via biotechnology-based approaches and cell engineering, often in collaboration with hospitals and industry partners. You will be met by a team who values team spirit, collaboration and engagement, and brings room for personal development. It is a unique opportunity to work with well-renowned researchers and be given responsibility to drive a part of our research forward.

You must contribute to the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1,5 years. Starting date is February 1, 2025. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Susanne Brix Pedersen, [email protected], Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine.

You can read more about our department at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 20 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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