Postdoc in translational cancer research

The Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is seeking a highly motivated postdoc for a three-year position. The successful candidate will investigate how cancer cell-educated neutrophils support metastatic spread and whether drugs modifying neutrophil development could prove effective in inhibiting metastatic disease. The project is funded by the independent research found Denmark. The position is available from May 1^st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in cancer biology. You will lead a research project that focuses on understanding how tumors influence the local and systemic development of prometastatic neutrophils and their specific impact on the metastatic process. You will employ advanced techniques such as spectral flowcytometry and cell sorting, intra vital imaging, spatial transcriptomics and RNA sequencing. The ideal candidate will have a background in molecular biology, cancer research or immunology. Experience with animal cancer models, flowcytometry and RNA sequencing are preferred, while basic understanding in bioinformatic analysis will be an advantage.        

The Postdoc position is available in the group of Associate Professor Mikkel Green Terp (Terp group), focusing on how interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment regulate therapy responses and metastasis.

Research environment

The candidate will be integrated in the Cancer Unit at the Department. We collaborate closely with other research groups at the department as well as with international research groups. The group are affiliated with the translational cancer hub at SDU and Odense University Hospital (OUH). You will therefore be part of an international, supportive, dynamic and ambitious research environment with a strong scientific and social network for postdoctoral fellows and good mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (Core facilities – flowcytometry, microscopy) and expertise in all aspects of cancer biology. The close ties between the basic and translational research at SDU and the clinical research at OUH provides a unique opportunity to translate your findings into a clinical setting through local collaborations. In addition, we have extensive international networks in the cancer field providing a great setting for establishing international collaborations. 

We value teamwork, professional diligence, enthusiasm for cancer research and the drive to adopt new skills and techniques. 

What we need

• A high level of motivation and interest.
• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field
• Expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experience with in vivo cancer models 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and writing abilities in English

Key responsibilities

• To lead an innovative research project on neutrophil function in metastasis development
• Develop and implement experimental protocols
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences

We offer

• A three-year postdoc position in an international and supportive research environment.
• An exciting multidisciplinary research network, leveraging the unique collaboration between the university and hospital to foster innovative, interdisciplinary research that bridges basic science and clinical practice.
• Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management and networking.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
• A supportive scientific and social network for students and postdocs
• An open team with flexible work organization and support of individual career development.
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc).
• Support with practical, social and legal aspects (e.g. housing, visa, tax etc) through our international staff office and the department.

Join our dynamic research environment at SDU and contribute to advancing our understanding of cancer treatment resistance. The starting date for the position is as soon as possible and will be agreed upon with the successful candidates.

For further information please contact

Associate Professor Mikkel Terp, Research Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, telephone: +45 6550 7903, e-mail: [email protected].

Application deadline

 February 25, 2025, at 23.59 hrs CET

Appointment, salary etc.

Appointment as a Post doc is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. 

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried postdoc between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). 

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• A motivation letter describing your research interests, qualifications (including a brief description of your PhD), and motivation for applying the project in this call (max one page).
• A CV including personal contact information, education, work/research experience and relevant skills.
• A List of publications and manuscripts.
• Up to 3 recent publications
• Copies of recent certificates (Ph.D. and Master)
• Employment reference. 

Shortlisting may be used in the recruitment process.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training  as part of the employment.

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who are considering applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.