PhD fellowship in Optimization of Gene Editing Tools

PhD fellowship in Optimization of Gene Editing Tools and use of quantitative single particle Microscopy at the group of Nikos Hatzakis at The Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen



Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen





The Department of Chemistry, section for chemical biology at University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Optimization of Gene Editing Tools Using Advanced Microscopy. The project revolves around the delivery of pharmaceutics across membrane barriers.

Start date is (expected to be) 1st of March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.


The project

The PhD student will be tasked with the development and use of advanced methodologies for the optimization of current and future gene editing tools involving viral vectors or LNPs, utilizing live cell microscopy and analysis of data using quantitative image analysis and machine learning. The project will involve fluorescence imaging using Confocal Microscopy and Lattice Light Sheet microscopy, single cell studies and quantitative image analysis, to decipher the interaction between the gene editing tools and cellular compartments. During the project, the student(s) is expected to be able to handle cell culturing and transfection tools, as well as gene editing tools and to perform advanced bulk and single-cell measurements, and ideally to treat the high-quality, high-volume data.



Who are we looking for?

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates within the field(s) of pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or within similar disciplines. We are looking for a student with the following competencies and experience:

• • Extensive experience in cell culture and cell-based assays
  • Gene editing using non-viral and viral vectors
  • Fluorescence Live Cell handling and imaging
  • Molecular Biology techniques (e.g. PCR, plasmid cloning)
  • Statistical analysis and computational image analysis.

As part being part of a large and diverse research team, we expect the student to have:

• Demonstrative collaborative skills
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Experience of working in an international multicultural environment and/or industrial experience preferably in a related field.
• Relevant work experience (if applicable)
• Relevant publications (if applicable)

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The position is in the group of Prof. Nikos S. Hatzakis.

The group focuses on the delivery of oligonucleotide pharmaceutics and implementation of advanced imaging and machine learning analysis toolboxes to decipher the interplays of spatiotemporal localization of biomolecular entities underlies emerging biological properties.

Nikos Hatzakis is also leading the Center for Optimised Oligo Escape and Control of Disease, an interdisciplinary center between University of Copenhagen, Harvard Medical School and University of Lisboa, as well as the Center for 4D cell dynamics. Both centers utilize advanced microscopy setups and quantitative image analysis to elicit a detailed understanding of the interplays of the dynamics and spatiotemporal localization of biomolecules and their role in cellular responses.

The group is a part of the Department of chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and all related infrastructure for single cell biophysics and quantitative image analysis.

Principal supervisor is Nikos Hatzakis, Department of Chemistry, [email protected]



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The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or similar. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Candidates finishing their MSc early 2025 are eligible to apply by providing a statement from their supervisor that they are expected to complete their thesis mentioning the expected graduation date.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Experience of working in an international multicultural environment and/or industrial experience preferably in a related field.
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in drug delivery, single cell studies and quantitative image analysis
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. 2 pages)
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 15th of January 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

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 further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above-mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.



Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in the second half of January 2025.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.