Postdoc in Computational Biology/Bioinformatics at BRIC

We are looking for 2 highly motivated and dynamic computational postdocs for a 3-year position, to join the group of Prof. Ana Cvejic from the 1 June 2024 or after agreement.

Information on the department can be found at: BRIC – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

Our research
The aim of our group is to decipher how differentiation pathways of haematopoietic cells are influenced by different microenvironments. To achieve that we use state-of-the-art single-cell RNA-seq, multiome, and spatial transcriptomics data generation combined with computational analysis to establish principles of blood lineage differentiation. We are working with human haematopoietic cells to reveal the dynamics and cellular programmes active during blood development as well as cancer patient samples to investigate the influence of tumour microenvironment in the context of pathological differentiation of immune cells. We are a team of highly collaborative researchers performing exciting interdisciplinary science using cutting-edge technologies.

Your job
In this project you will analyse newly generated scRNA-Seq and CITE-Seq as well as spatial transcriptomics data sets of tumour-associated immune cells, combined with whole genome sequencing (WGS), to reveal the molecular programmes that are active in cancer. You will employ methods from high dimensional and spatial statistics to chart and understand the nature of different immune cells, how they interact and change biological functions, and how the underlying molecular changes could be exploited as therapeutic targets in the context of colorectal cancer.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics or in a related quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Physics). You will be passionate about science, hardworking, and excited to learn and improve skills in an outstanding research environment. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team and will be tasked with proactively seeking and maintaining appropriate collaborations. Your task would be to drive forward the project, working closely with biologists, clinicians and bioinformaticians within and outside the group to accomplish scientific objectives.

The position will be funded by Open Targets. Open Targets (OT) aims to systematically identify and prioritise drug targets by combining genetic, clinical and functional genomics data. It is a shared initiative between the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a world-leading genomics institution, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), a global leader in the management, integration and analysis of public domain life science data, and world-leading pharmaceutical companies GSK, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Genentech.

Profile
We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics or in a related quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Physics), and a passion for problem solving
• You are highly experienced in a research environment with a well-established publication track record
• You have formal training in mathematical, statistical, and machine-learning-based analysis of complex data sets, such as dimensionality reduction, hypothesis testing, clustering, etc.
• An understanding, experience and published outcomes from analysing and interpreting large datasets using statistical programming languages (e.g. R, Python etc.)
• Proven independent working style, technical problem solving, data analysis and generation of novel ideas
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with large single cell data analysis, such as differential expression analysis, cell type annotation, trajectory analysis, etc.    
• Training in statistical methods appropriate for single-cell biological research, e.g., zero-inflated data, multiple testing problem, batch correction and data integration, etc.
• Experience in genomics approaches and in method development
• Experience in analysing spatial transcriptomics datasets
• Experience in analysing CITE-seq datasets

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the BRIC, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and core facilities Core Facilities – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk) .

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term limited to a period of 3 years with the possibility of further extensions. The starting date is the 1 June 2024 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/approx. 4,800 EUR (October 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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.

Questions
For further information please contact Laboratory Coordinator Ulf Tiemann; [email protected]; https://www.bric.ku.dk/research-groups/Research/cvejic-group/

Application
Your application should in English include:

• Letter of application addressing the requirements (max. one page).
• Curriculum Vitae
• A certified/signed copy of certificate(s) of education

Please submit your application by clicking on “Apply Now” below. Only online applications will be accepted.

Application deadline: 14 March 2024, 23.59 CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

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

Part of the International Alliance of 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.