Research Assistant in Chromatin Biology and Adipocyte Lineage Regulation

Research Assistant in Chromatin Biology and Adipocyte Lineage Regulation

SDU - University of Southern Denmark

Odense, Denmark

The Mandrup group invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Research Assistant position in our group based at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark. The position is offered for a duration of 26 months and will be available from October 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project and Research Environment

The Research Assistant will work on a project focusing on cohesin dynamics and its crosstalk with transcription factors in the regulation of adipocyte lineage determination function. The aim is to understand how cohesin dosage and dynamics impact chromatin topology and adipogenic transcriptional programs, and how different cohesin variants contribute to the establishment and maintenance of adipocyte identity. To address these questions, the project integrates complementary, state-of-the-art approaches, including:

• Chromatin conformation analyses (e.g., Micro-C and related approaches);
• Super-resolution microscopy;
• Genome editing (e.g., CRISPR-based approaches);
• Quantitative and live-cell imaging;
• Functional genomics.

The project is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment combining molecular biology, genomics, and advanced imaging technologies.

Job Description

The Research Assistant will play a central role in driving experimental activities and contributing to the scientific development of the project. The position requires both independent work and close collaboration within the research group.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting experiments investigating chromatin architecture and transcriptional regulation;
• Studying cohesin dynamics and interactions with adipogenic transcription factors;
• Generating and analyzing genome-wide and imaging-based datasets;
• Implementing and optimizing advanced experimental techniques;
• Integrating data across molecular, genomic, and imaging platforms.

In addition, the candidate will:

• Contribute to supervision and mentoring of students;
• Participate in preparation of scientific publications and dissemination of results;
• Actively contribute to a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive research environment.

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong postdoctoral research profile and expertise in chromatin biology and transcriptional regulation.

Required qualifications:

• A PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related field;
• Documented postdoctoral research experience demonstrating scientific independence and productivity;
• Strong background in chromatin biology, epigenetics, or transcriptional regulation;
• Strong experimental skills in molecular and cellular biology;
• Solid publication record, including first-author publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals;
• Ability to independently drive research projects;
• Strong collaborative and communication skills;
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

In addition, the following qualifications are relevant but not required:

• Hands-on experience with advanced microscopy and imaging approaches;
• Hands-on experience with genome editing technologies (CRISPR-based techniques);
• Hands-on experience with cellular differentiation systems, stem cell biology and cellular models of adipogenesis;
• Experience with chromatin conformation methods (e.g., Hi-C, Micro-C or related approaches);
• Experience with genome-wide and chromatin architecture-related techniques (e.g., sequencing-based assays, chromatin conformation analyses);
• Experience with computational and bioinformatics pipelines and R for data integration.