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. 

We offer

• A position in a focused, externally funded research project at the forefront of chromatin biology research

• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within genomics, imaging, and molecular biology

• An international, highly collaborative, and dynamic research environment

• Strong support for scientific development and career progression

• Competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits

The Mandrup Group
The Mandrup Group has a long-standing interest in the detailed molecular mechanisms governing transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation. We apply a variety of sequencing-based, computational, and molecular technologies, combined with loss- and gain-of-function strategies to study the mechanisms and role of the 3D chromatin architecture, the crosstalk between enhancers in enhancer communities and the role of specific transcription factors.

You will work closely together with other postdoctoral fellows and PhD students in the Enhancer subgroup within the group, and you will also be expected to collaborate with colleagues in Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) and Center of Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN), both directed by Susanne Mandrup. Furthermore, you will be able to benefit from the many international collaborations of our group.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit 
The Mandrup Group is located in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The research unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on how specific cell types regulate gene expression and how this affects the development and function of cells and tissues. Thus, our research aims to better understand how genes regulate human physiology and diseases such as obesity, fatty liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next-generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging, cell culture, and dietary intervention and transgenic mouse models. The unit maintains strategic research alliances with Odense University Hospital (OUH). This provides a highly stimulating research environment with numerous opportunities for learning and developing new ideas.

Application deadline: 15 August 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk