Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 
University of Copenhagen

The Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS) is a Center of Excellence based in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), University of Copenhagen that is funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. Following the successful renewal of funding for the CCS until mid 2025, we wish to recruit up to 5 talented and motivated PhD students to conduct high level research within one of the research groups in the center. These positions are fully funded. The general focus of CCS is to understand the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of genome stability in eukaryotic cells in a variety of contexts, from embryogenesis to cancer development, with the ultimate aim of developing strategies to improve human health. The successful applicants will learn a wide range of methodologies and technologies in the fields of biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, high content screening systems and advanced microscopy. Further details of the research undertaken in each CCS research group can be found on the CCS website (http://www.ccs.ku.dk).

The following PhD project areas will be available in 2021:

• Eva Hoffmann – Genome instability in mammalian germ cells and embryos (collaboration with the Lisby and Hickson groups).
• Michael Lisby – Genome-wide analysis of meiotic recombination (collaboration with the Hoffmann group).
• Ying Liu – Analysis genome instability induced by folate deficiency.
• Niels Mailand - Charting signaling in chromosome stability using CRISPR- and proteomics-based screens (collaboration with the Hickson group). 
• Luis Toledo – Genomic stability maintenance during cell proliferation.

Applicants should indicate in their motivation letter which of the CCS groups (up to two) they would prefer to join.

Job description

The key tasks of a PhD fellow in the CCS are as follows: 

• Carry out and complete an independent research project under the supervision of one or more of the CCS group leaders.
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Write reports, scientific articles and a PhD thesis on the basis of your research project.
• Spend a period of research training in at least one other laboratory outside of the University of Copenhagen, preferably abroad, in order to broaden your research experience.
• Obtain experience with teaching within the ICMM curriculum and/or other types of dissemination activities related to your PhD project.
• Participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings. 

Candidate Profile

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related area of biology, biochemistry, chemistry or biophysics at the time of commencing the position.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work well in international academic settings.
• Ability to work in a team of multidisciplinary scientists, and the potential to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Other relevant credentials are:

• Strong academic record
• Work experience in relevant areas
• A track record of publication-standard research
• Good time-management skills

Research environment 

The CCS provides an international quality research environment to train young researchers. The working language of the CCS is English.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer a creative and stimulating working atmosphere in a dynamic and international research environment. More details can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/.

Terms of employment and employment

The employment period for the PhD is 3 years, although it is possible to be employed as a Research Assistant while waiting to register for the PhD. The starting date is by agreement anytime in 2021. The post is conditional upon successful enrolment in the PhD school at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the candidate in consultation with project supervisors.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the University’s rules on achieving the degree. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 27,594 DKK /approx. 3,704 EUR (April 2020-level) plus pension.

Questions

General information about PhD programs at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/. Specific questions related to CCS and the procedures for registering as a PhD student should be addressed to Elin Ølgaard by email (ee@sund.ku.dk). Questions concerning project details can be addressed to the relevant group leader.

Application procedure

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. A CV including the details of education/qualifications, work experience, language skills and other relevant skills.
2. A motivation letter of application (max. two pages).
3. A certified/signed copy of Master of Science certificate. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor will be required. 
4. A publication list (if possible).

Application deadline: 25 October 2020, 23.59pm CET

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.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

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 https://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.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7850 students, 1700 PhD students and 4800 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. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.