Postdoc in RNA modifications and gene expression

The laboratory of Ulf Ørom, Department of Molecular Biology, Aarhus University, Denmark, invites applications for a full-time postdoc position offering applicants an exciting opportunity to study the role of RNA modifications in gene expression. The position will initially be for two years. 

Starting Date and Period

The position is available from 1 March 2025, and will initially be for two years. 

Job description

You will work in a collaborative environment studying non-coding RNA and RNA modifications. We use a combination of molecular biology methods and biochemistry to study RNA modifications and their impact on transcript localization and gene expression, in combination with next-generation sequencing and RNA and protein mass spectrometry. The work builds on our published study on RNA acetylation in stress granules tiny.cc/jdiqzz and aims to extend our knowledge of how RNA acetylation affects cellular fitness.

In addition:

• You will have opportunities to collaborate with other MBG researchers on scientific topics related to the project.
• You will be encouraged to and supported in applying for external funding e.g. fellowships.
• You will receive training to develop grant writing and scientific communication skills.
• You will improve your mentoring skills through interactions with PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s thesis students.
• You will contribute to the daily lab management, attend project meetings and departmental seminars as part of an international, dynamic team.

Your profile

Applicants should be interested in the molecular mechanisms of RNA modifications and gene expression and hold a PhD degree in a relevant area. Applicants with extensive wet-lab experience are encouraged to apply.

Of particular relevance:

• Experience with RNA-protein interactions, RNA-sequencing, CLIP-based methods, smFISH and mass spectrometry will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated record of international publications.
• Desire to collaborate with other researchers in the group and at the institute, as well as internationally.
• Fluent professional English, that is the working language of the group.

Who we are

The work environment is international and in a very collaborative atmosphere. We are located in a strong RNA research community at Aarhus University, where our focus is on RNA modifications. We work both with basic biology and more applied aspects of RNA in health and disease. We aim to uncover the broader aspects of RNA acetylation on mRNA and long non-coding RNA regulation.

What we offer

The successful candidate is offered an independent research project, dedicated mentoring and a career development plan to foster strong career possibilities. Access to a great research environment and a well-developed research infrastructure, as well as possibilities to attend national and international conferences with relation to the research project.

Place of Work

The place of work is Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 

Contact Information

For further information please contact: Associate professor Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom, ulf.orom@mbg.au.dk.

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 30 November 2024.

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.