Postdoctoral Researcher in bioimaging of mouse development

Are you Interested in combining quantitative microscopy and developmental biology to study organogenesis?

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as Postdoctoral fellow in bioimaging of mouse development from March 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is time-limited for approximately 2.5 years.

You will be part of a new cross-disciplinary project funded by the Villum Foundation. The project investigates the coordination of biological networks during embryonic development of the pancreas using a combination of methods spanning from mouse genetics, explant culture & 3D confocal time-lapse microscopy to machine learning based image analysis and spatial statistics. You will be part of the research group of associate professor Pia Nyeng at the section for Molecular and Medical Biology (https://forskning.ruc.dk/en/persons/pnyeng). The project is a close collaboration with data scientists at the Danish Technical University (DTU) and Imperial College London (ICL) who will develop the image analysis methodology.

Responsibilities and tasks
Your main task will be to conduct research. You will drive the developmental biology experiments and generate bioimaging data of pancreatic vascular, neuronal, and ductal networks under different experimental conditions. You are also expected to contribute to developing analysis strategies in collaboration with the rest of the project group. In addition, a limited amount of teaching is also required in subjects related to the research area.

You are expected to work on the following tasks:

• Planning and executing laboratory experiments involving:
  • Explant and cell culture
  • Immunofluorescent staining
  • Standard molecular biology techniques
• Bioimaging
  • 3D fixed and timelapse confocal microscopy
  • Image analysis and annotation
• Laboratory mouse experiments
  • Breeding, genotyping, and micro-dissection
• Research presentation
  • Active participation in project meetings and conferences
  • Preparation of publication drafts
• Teaching/Supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students working on related projects

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent within the biomedical/biological/bioimaging field. We are looking for an inquisitive and motivated colleague who will work closely with the rest of our research team and be able to drive their part of the project independently, after a short introductory period. Training will be provided as needed, but it is essential that candidates have the following qualifications:

• A strong publication record, relevant to the research topic
• Excellent command of the spoken and written English language
• Experience with laboratory animal (preferably mouse) work
  • FELASA certification (ABD) or similar is an advantage
  • Micro-dissection experience is an advantage
• Experience with immunofluorescence staining and light microscopy
• Experience with Image analysis is an advantage
• A driver’s license valid in Denmark (see https://www.danishroadtrafficauthority.dk/driving-license/foreign-driving-licences/foreign-driving-licences-exchanges-and-visitors-driving-licences)
• Motivation for interdisciplinary research and willingness to collaborate with colleagues in diverse disciplines
• Ability to work independently and manage research projects

The ideal candidate should be enterprising, independent and with a high level of attention to detail. Possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the project’s daily activities.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to:

• Scientific production and research topic
• Motivation
• Experience with relevant methods
• Previous experience with cross-disciplinary research
• Teaching experience

About the department
The Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research in molecular biology, medical biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and environmental sciences. Bachelor and Master programs are offered within these areas. Research and education within the fields take place in a collaborative and interdisciplinary university environment also spanning collaboration with the other departments covering social sciences and humanities where relevant. The department is organized into four sections comprising research and education activities. Roskilde University is located close to Copenhagen with good train connections (30 min. from CPH central station).

About the Molecular & Medical Biology Section
The Molecular & Medical Biology Section conducts research in basic and translational science of molecular biology and biomedical problems. Common to all activities is an interest in cellular signaling pathways affecting cell appearance, metabolism and behaviour. The research group covers a broad spectrum of biological disciplines and works with bacteria, yeast, insect and mammalian cells as model systems. The Molecular & Medical Biology Research Section is located in a modern laboratory building fully equipped to do research in biology and chemistry, and has cell culture, proteomics and microscopy facilities.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Pia Nyeng on tel. (+45) 46 74 29 93 or at [email protected]

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time, 37 hours per week and your head of staff will be Dean Susanne Sørensen. In daily work, you will refer to associate professor Pia Nyeng. The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter including your motivation and qualifications for the position

2. CV

3. Documentation of education

4. Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here)

5. A complete list of publications

6. A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here)

7. If relevant: Documentation for any additional research and/or teaching qualifications

Please submit your application no later than December 19, 2024.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.