We are looking for a highly dedicated postdoc to join the Membrane Integrity Group at the Danish Cancer Institute in Copenhagen.

We offer a postdoctoral position in an international and collaborative environment with a strong record in generating new discoveries within the field of membrane repair and cancer cell biology. You will work under the supervision of Group Leader Jesper Nylandsted, on the research topic: Repair Footprints on the Surface of Cancer Cells: Membrane Healing Signatures with Implications for Immunotherapy and Diagnostics.

About us

The Danish Cancer Society has its own research institute, consisting of 26 research groups and several core facilities, with more than 250 researchers dedicated to basic, translational and epidemiological cancer research, at an internationally highly competitive level. The Membrane Integrity Group headed by Professor Jesper Nylandsted focuses on mechanistic understanding of membrane integrity and repair mechanisms in cancer cells.

Our interdisciplinary research team combines expertise in molecular and cellular cancer biology, theoretical and experimental physics, and computational modeling, with a particular emphasis on advanced live-cell imaging techniques. We actively collaborate with international partners, creating a vibrant and innovative research environment in the emerging field of cancer cell membrane repair.

About the position

Background and Significance of the project

Cancer cells are exposed to constant mechanical and metabolic stress that frequently disrupts the integrity of the plasma membrane. Rapid and highly efficient membrane repair is therefore essential for tumor cell survival, particularly during invasion and migration through dense tissue environments. Our recent work demonstrates that malignant cells actively upregulate Ca²⁺-dependent repair pathways involving annexins, cytoskeletal remodeling, ESCRT-III machinery, and controlled membrane shedding. These processes not only restore membrane integrity but may leave behind transient molecular “repair footprints” on the cancer cell surface.

This project will systematically define these repair-associated surface signatures and determine whether they represent a previously unrecognized source of tumor-associated antigens and biomarkers.

The successful candidate will:

1. Identify and mechanistically characterize plasma membrane repair signatures in cancer cells using advanced cell biology, live-cell imaging, and proteomic approaches.
2. Investigate how membrane repair dynamics influence tumor cell resilience, migration, and immune recognition.
3. Evaluate the translational potential of repair-associated signatures as targets for immunotherapy and diagnostic development.

The immunotherapy component will be conducted in close collaboration with the Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research at University of Southern Denmark, providing access to a strong translational cancer research environment with expertise in cancer immunology and biomarker development.

This position offers the opportunity to uncover fundamental mechanisms of tumor survival while advancing innovative translational strategies at the interface of membrane biology, cancer research, and immunotherapy.

About you

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with the following qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biomedicine, biology, technical engineer, biochemistry, human biology, or relevant discipline
• Excellent technical skills and strong experience with molecular, biochemical and cell biology-based techniques, especially microscopy, gene manipulation, cell culture, cancer biology, omics-based approaches are considered an advantage.
• A strong publication profile related to the areas of membrane dynamics are expected.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• A high level of motivation, the ability to work independently, and strong work discipline are highly valued.

Additional information

More information can be obtained directly from Prof. Jesper Nylandsted, e-mail: jnl@cancer.dk

We offer

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic international research environment with an inclusive and collaborative working culture. The recently renovated laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments. Core facilities at the institute are available to all employees, including level P2 laboratory for work with viruses, bioimaging, lipidomics/metabolomics, flow cytometry/cell sorting, bioinformatics, CRISPR/gene editing and chemical-biology high-throughput screening facilities, nucleic acid sequencing, histology laboratory and animal house facility.

You will join a stimulating working atmosphere, with weekly seminars, talks by invited speakers, a young researcher association, as well as strong administrative and technical support. We offer several benefits for the personnel, such as an excellent canteen, a daily selection of free fruit, and sport activities.
Working hours are of course smoke-free. The everyday working language in the team is English.

Working conditions: 37 hours a week with lunchbreak included.
A competitive salary with a range of benefits will be provided according to the current agreement between the Danish Cancer Society and the relevant trade union.
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark in the last 10 years.

Application and closing date for applications

The deadline for application is April 15th, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.
The position is available from June 1st 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter (negotiable) for the duration of 2 years with the possibility of extension for an additional 1 year.

The application should be written in English and must be submitted electronically via the link 'Apply for position'. You can find the link on this page: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1572&ProjectId=145575&DepartmentId=18958&MediaId=5&SkipAdvertisement=False .

Your application should contain:

A CV, including description of research-related skills and a list of publications

A motivation letter

A copy of the PhD and MSc diploma (or expected date of obtaining a PhD diploma if not finished yet)

Names and contact information of two-three scientists from previous working place(s) as a reference.



One of three Danes contract cancer at some point in their lives. Two of three have a family member suffering from cancer. Faced with these figures, the Danish Cancer Society aims to unite the Danish population in a strong, active community against cancer, and you can help make an important difference!

As an association, the Danish Cancer Society recognize the value of not all of us being the same – diversity makes us smarter and better. Therefore, we encourage everyone who can see themselves in this position to apply for it. We are interested in you and your personal and professional skills, and we look forward to hearing from you. We promise you good colleagues who will welcome you and help you navigate through your new everyday life in our wideranging organization and association. We are committed to ensuring that you have an exciting and good working life with us at the Danish Cancer Society with an important purpose as well as professionalism, community and flexibility in many forms. And, of course, the working hours are smoke-free!

If you want to know more about working with us at the Danish Cancer Society, we encourage you to go to www.cancer.dk/om-os/job-og-karriere (right click to translate into English).