PhD Fellowship to Study Metabolic Control of Genome Integrity and DNA Replication in Early Development Mechanism and Cancer

At the laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, we seek two highly motivated PhD students with strong background in molecular and cell biology and prime interest in cell cycle, genome maintenance, early development mechanisms, and quantitative imaging. Experience with CRISPR-based gene editing, optical microscopy, and quantitative skills are required. Previous work in the field of metabolism, genome integrity and epigenetics or/and experience in working on embryonic/adult stem cells are a plus.

The Somyajit lab, based at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, has a deep interest in studying regulatory foundations of the cell cycle, DNA replication, and genome surveillance in pathophysiology.

Research Project and Role
DNA replication is essential for a cell to multiply and transfer genetic information to its daughters. However, a plethora of extrinsic and intrinsic factors challenge individual DNA replication forks and cause replication stress, a hallmark of all cancer types and a range of developmental disorders. Yet, we know very little about the mechanisms that align DNA replication activities to potentially harmful endogenous threats such as metabolic stress, and thereby limiting the detrimental consequences of abnormal DNA replication.

Recent studies by Kumar Somyajit have identified novel cell-intrinsic regulation(s) of DNA replication dynamics and replisome speed as a key genome surveillance mechanism in response to metabolic alterations (PMIDs: 29123070, 33621493, 33087936, 30566856). 

As a PhD student in the Somyajit group, you will be engaged in a highly interdisciplinary project uncovering regulatory foundations of human DNA replication and genome protection by focusing on how active reorganization of the replisome motor is achieved in response to natural fluctuations in metabolic pathways inevitable during early development and cancer. You will combine advanced quantitative cell biology approaches such as quantitative-image-based-cytometry- QIBC, time-lapse microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, DNA fiber techniques, with classical genetics and biochemistry to reveal novel regulations of replisome velocity and identify how cancer-specific metabolic changes impact DNA replication speed, replisome integrity and cell cycle in human cells. 

You will interact and collaborate closely with other researchers in the Somyajit group and with members of the different research groups within FGM and at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A master’s degree in Life Science, preferably Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedicine (the 5+3 programme). Candidates who, in addition to their bachelor's degree, have passed 60 ECTS of their master’s programme by 1 September 1 2024, are invited to apply for a PhD scholarship within the 4+4 programme.
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental Cell cycle, DNA replication and Genome integrity.
• Relevant laboratory experience in molecular cell biology and biochemistry
• Know-how in Genome integrity field, stem cell culture, light microscopy, bioinformatics.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment.

Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Programme structure
A 5+3 PhD programme spans over three years (fully salaried), while the 4+4 programme runs for a period of four years. If enrolled in the 4+4 programme, your will be enrolled in the PhD programme and the master’s programme parallel to each other. During this period, the pay will consist of the Danish Student Allowance (SU), if you are eligible, and a supplementary salary for job assignments. After completing the master’s degree, you will enter a fully salaried PhD scholarship for the remaining two years.

PhD candidates follow an individual PhD plan including course work, conference participation, and teaching. One semester is typically spent at another research institution - often abroad. The scholarship carries a monthly salary including pension plus office facilities and financial support for conference travels and research visits abroad.

Application deadline: 4 October 2024.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk.