Researcher position in the Hickson Group at the DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM)

A position as a Researcher is available in the Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS) (www.ccs.ku.dk) in the group headed by Prof. Ian Hickson. The post is available from 1st January 2025 or after agreement. Highly motivated and committed candidates with an interest in chromosome mechanics and biology are encouraged to apply.

The Center for Chromosome Stability
The CCS is a Center of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) and its mission is to advance our understanding of how chromosomal instability causes human disease. The CCS is embedded at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (https://icmm.ku.dk/english/). The working language in the CCS is English.

Our group and research
The Hickson group (https://icmm.ku.dk/english/research-groups/hickson-group/) aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that cells use to maintain genome stability, using a combination of genetic, biochemical and cell biology approaches. The research in the Hickson group is generously supported by the Danish National Research Foundation.

Project description
The successful candidate will analyse the mechanical properties of native human chromosomes using optical tweezers and analyse the effect in human cells of manipulating enzymes that alter the mechanical properties of chromosomes.

Start date: 1 January 2025
Duration: 8 months
Weekly working hours: 37

The Department
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine focuses on basic cellular and molecular biological processes, their regulation and their significance for cell function, interaction and organisation in tissues. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching programs spanning cell biology, genetics and basic human biology, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, as well as anatomy.

You can read more about the department at https://icmm.ku.dk/english/.

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

• Applicants should hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, protein chemistry or a related discipline, preferably with a background in DNA replication or repair, mitosis, cell cycle or another area of chromosome biology. Extensive postdoctoral experience is also required.
• Significant expertise in two or more of the following techniques: optical manipulation of chromosomes, advanced imaging or protein degron analysis in human cells.
• Several primary papers published in reputable scientific journals, ideally as first author.
• A high degree of motivation, enthusiasm and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and fluency in written and spoken English.

Place of employment
The place of employment is the Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art equipment.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 8 months. The start date is 1 January 2025 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or another relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 40,615 / approx. EUR 5,451 (April 2024-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For specific information about the position, please contact Ian Hickson by e-mail: [email protected].

For further general questions about the position, please contact Elin Oelgaard by e-mail: [email protected].

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do
4. List of publications
5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18 September 2025, 23.59 p.m. CET.

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 the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 39.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7,800 students and approx. 5,800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.