Researcher in transcription regulation

KU; København; On-site; DKK 406,000 - 487,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Copenhagen is recruiting one or two researchers to join the CGEN Center of Excellence in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. The position runs from January 2027, with funding for 6 months and potential extension.

The working language is English, with Danish knowledge preferred. The role focuses on transcription, chromatin organization, and mRNA processing within a collaborative, international environment at the Mærsk Tower.

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences required.
• Postdoc-equivalent research experience.
• Experience in teaching or mentoring students.
• Strong background in biochemistry or molecular cell biology.
• Experience with transcription and RNAPII-related processes.

Responsibilities

• Research-based teaching or mentorship in a laboratory setting.
• Contribute to ongoing CGEN research programs on gene expression.
• Collaborate across groups and communicate results.

Skills

Postdoc experience

Teaching/mentorship

Biochemistry or molecular cell biology

Genome-wide analysis

RNAPII transcription regulation

Independence & proactiveness

Time management & teamwork

Education

PhD in life science

Job description

We are looking for one or two highly motivated researcher interested in transcription regulation at the DNRF Center of Excellence, Center for Gene Expression (CGEN), within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Starting date: 1st of January 2027 or after agreement.

Our research

CGEN is an interdisciplinary research center consisting of 6 research groups located in modern laboratories in the Mærsk Tower at the Panum Institute. Our mission is touse acutting-edge ensemble of genetic, cell biological, biochemical, organismal,and modern ‘omic’-approaches to achieve a comprehensive understanding ofthe process of gene expression.

CGEN performs ground-breaking research in a collaborative and ambitious environment, where youngresearchers are offered thebest conditions to engage in bold and imaginative research. CGEN is also a center of learning, wherePhDs and postdocs receive comprehensive insights in the cellular processes underlying gene expression, as well as aclear view of their medical importance and potential for a future research career.

The researcher’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research-based teaching and mentorship, primarily in a laboratory setting.

The project will be decided in consultation with the selected candidate(s) in accordance with ongoing research programmes within the individual groups. Broadly projects are focused on understanding the various aspects of the process of gene expression, ranging from the mechanisms of 3D chromatin organisation to transcription, mRNA processing, translation, and protein turnover. CGEN addresses fundamental questions in this broad field at the leading edge of science and aims to dramatically expand our knowledge of the processes, signals and factors allowing a gene to be transcribed while integrating with protein synthesis and protein turnover, so that the overall integrity of gene expression is maintained.

Profile

Six overall criteria apply for researcher appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit .

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in life science
• Research qualifications at the level that can be achieved by satisfactorily completing a period of employment as a postdoc but may also be obtained in other ways.
• Research-based teaching or mentorship.
• You are highly experienced in either biochemistry, molecular cell biology, genome-wide analysis, or quantitative imaging in mammalian cells
• You have previous experience within the field of transcription and/or co-transcriptional processing, ideally with a focus on RNAPII regulation
• You possess a high degree of independence, motivation, attention to detail and proactiveness.
• You have excellent time-management, self-organisation and teamwork skills
• We value a problem-solving mindset, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and/or screening approaches
• Experience with techniques to profile nascent transcription, RNAPII occupancy, ribosome footprinting, etc.
• Experience with proteomics to characterise RNAPII elongation complexes

The working language of the department is English and, consequently, the successful applicant must possess excellent skills in written and spoken English. An ability to communicate in Danish is preferable.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories located in the Mærsk tower with access to state-of-the-art facilities for cell engineering, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry.

Scientific environment

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. ICMM currently comprises five research programmes, three high profile Research Centers as well as a number of international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen. You can read more at www.icmm.ku.dk

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position for a period of 6 months, starting on 1st of January 2027. While funding is currently secured for the first 6 months, the possibility of extending the position to one or two years is expected to be clarified during the recruitment process.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 40,000 DKK/approx. 5,350 EUR (August 2026-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Deadline for applications: 29 October 2026, 23.59pm CET

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Part of the InternationalAllianceof Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Department/Location

Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Contact: University of Copenhagen
[e-mail]