Postdoc Positions in Translational Cancer Research

Three postdoc positions are available at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark under the umbrella of the translational cancer hub initiative. This initiative aims to bridge basic cancer research at the university with clinical research at Odense University Hospital (OUH), and you will therefore be part of an ambitious, international, and collaborative translational cancer research environment. Each postdoc will be based in one of the research groups headed by Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos (cellular senescence) or Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk (gene regulation in breast cancer). The positions are available from 1 February-1 April 2025 or soon thereafter. Application deadline is 30 November 2024. 

Research Projects

Cellular senescence and cancer
One postdoc position is available in the lab of Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos (Galanos group) at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Galanos lab focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind cellular senescence and its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The successful candidate will lead a research project that bridges basic and translational cancer research, aiming to understand how cells escape senescence and identify new therapeutic targets to prevent cancer evolution. You will employ advanced techniques such as high-content microscopy, CRISPR-based screening, and a range of multi-omics approaches in both in vitro models and patient-derived organoids. Prior experience with microscopy, CRISPR gene editing, and quantitative analyses is preferred, while expertise in molecular biology, and cellular signalling will be an asset.

Gene regulation in breast cancer
Two postdoc positions are available in the lab of Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk (Siersbaek group) at BMB, SDU. Here you will lead a translational research project focused on the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms controlling breast cancer treatment responses and progression. You will integrate loss- and gain-of-function tools (e.g. CRISPR/Cas and degron systems) with a range of advanced omics approaches in pre-clinical model systems such as cell lines, patient-derived tumor organoids and xenograft mouse models. The goal is to uncover key gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling breast cancer biology that can potentially provide new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of this disease. Expertise in functional genomics methods (e.g. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq) and omics data analysis as well as mouse work is considered advantageous.

Lab and Research Environment
You will be based in the group of Assistant Professor Panagiotis Galanos or Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk at BMB, who have a long-standing interest in the role of cellular senescence in cancer (Galanos) and the gene-regulatory mechanisms controlling cancer biology (Siersbæk). These groups are both affiliated with the translational cancer hub at SDU and 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 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, both groups have extensive international networks in the cancer field providing a great setting for establishing international collaborations and developing your independent career. 

Your Profile
We are looking for highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative postdocs to lead the three translational cancer projects outlined here. In addition to the specific skills highlighted for each project above, you have:

• A PhD in Life Science, e.g. Molecular Biology or Biomedicine. 
• Expertise in cancer biology.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We Offer

• A postdoc position (two to three years depending on the project) in a stimulating, international, and supportive research environment.
• An extensive network of basic cancer researchers and clinicians as part of the translational cancer hub initiative bridging basic and clinical research at SDU and OUH.
• Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management, oral and written communication, and networking.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
• A supportive scientific and social network for students and postdocs, including mentoring and 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 (ISO) and the department.

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