Postdoc position available in the Membrane Integrity Group, Danish Cancer Institute

We are looking for a highly dedicated postdoc to join the Membrane Integrity Group at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.
We offer a postdoctoral position in an international and collaborative environment with a strong record in generating new discoveries within the field of membrane repair and cancer cell biology. You will work under the supervision of group leader Jesper Nylandsted, on the research topics membrane repair in the endoplasmic reticulum.

About us
The Danish Cancer Society has its own research institute, consisting of 23 research groups and several core facilities, with around 250 researchers dedicated to basic, translational and epidemiological cancer research, at an internationally highly competitive level. The Membrane Integrity Group headed by Professor Jesper Nylandsted focuses on mechanistic understanding of membrane integrity and repair mechanisms in cancer cells.

Our interdisciplinary research team combines expertise in molecular and cellular cancer biology, theoretical and experimental physics, and computational modeling, with a particular emphasis on advanced live-cell imaging techniques. We actively collaborate with international partners, creating a vibrant and innovative research environment in the emerging field of cancer cell membrane repair.

About the position
Background and Significance of the project

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a vital and dynamic organelle responsible for protein and lipid synthesis, folding, calcium storage, and detoxification. Structurally composed of rough and smooth regions, the ER forms an extensive membrane network vulnerable to damage from oxidative, mechanical, and metabolic stress. Such damage, particularly under prolonged stress conditions, disrupts ER homeostasis and threatens cell viability. While the unfolded protein response (UPR) has been extensively studied as a compensatory pathway for protein misfolding, the mechanisms governing repair of the ER membrane itself remain poorly understood.

Our preliminary findings indicate that ER membranes rapidly fragment in response to stress, especially during cellular migration, yet are capable of efficient repair within minutes. These observations suggest the existence of active membrane repair mechanisms that are critical for maintaining ER integrity and cellular function. Despite the centrality of ER stress in cancer progression and therapy resistance, the molecular machinery responsible for repairing ER membrane damage is largely unexplored.

The Project Aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying ER membrane repair in response to stress-induced damage. By integrating advanced proteomics, lipidomics, and cellular imaging approaches, we seek to identify and characterize the mechanistic roles of key proteins and lipids involved in this process. Understanding these mechanisms may enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies to selectively target cells under ER stress, particularly in cancer and other conditions where ER dysfunction contributes to disease progression.

About you
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with the following qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biomedicine, biology, technical engineer, biochemistry, human biology, or relevant discipline
• Excellent technical skills and strong experience with molecular, biochemical and cell biology-based techniques, especially microscopy, gene manipulation, cell culture, cancer biology, omics-based approaches are considered an advantage.
• A strong publication profile related to the areas of membrane dynamics are expected.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• A high level of motivation, the ability to work independently, and strong work discipline are highly valued.

Additional information
More information can be obtained directly from Prof. Jesper Nylandsted, e-mail: jnl@cancer.dk
We offer
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic international research environment with an inclusive and collaborative working culture. The recently renovated laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. Core facilities at the institute are available to all employees, including level P2 laboratory for work with viruses, bioimaging, lipidomics/metabolomics, flow cytometry/cell sorting, bioinformatics, CRISPR/gene editing and chemical-biology high-throughput screening facilities, nucleic acid sequencing, histology laboratory and animal house facility.

You will join a stimulating working atmosphere, with bi-weekly seminars, talks by invited speakers, a young researcher association, as well as strong administrative and technical support. We offer several benefits for the personnel, such as an excellent canteen, a daily selection of free fruit, and sport activities. Working hours are of course smoke-free. The everyday working language in the team is English.

Working conditions: 37 hours a week with lunchbreak included. A competitive salary with a range of benefits will be provided according to the current agreement between the Danish Cancer Society and the relevant trade union. Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark in the last 10 years.

Application and closing date for applications
The deadline for application is May 26, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The position is available from 1st July/August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter (negotiable) for the duration of 2 years with the possibility of extension for up to an additional 1 year.

The application should be written in English and must be submitted electronically via the link 'Apply for position'.

Your application should contain:

• A CV, including description of research-related skills and a list of publications
• A motivation letter
• A copy of the PhD and MSc diploma (or expected date of obtaining a PhD diploma if not finished yet)
• Names and contact information of two-three scientists from previous working place(s) as a reference

Department:

Lokation: Hovedstaden

Application deadline: 26 May 2025