PhD fellowship in gene regulation and the development of novel sequencing methods Full-time NEW

PhD Fellowship In Gene Regulation And The Development Of Novel Sequencing Methods

The Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in gene regulation and the development of sequencing methods to understand and resolve tissue development. The start date is (expected to be) the 1st of August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. This position as PhD fellow is for 3 years.

The position is offered within the Tissue Gene Regulation Lab headed by Robert Krautz.

The development of human tissues relies on the regulated activation of subsets of genes in tissue-specific cell types. Tens of thousands of short DNA-sequences called enhancers are spread across the human genome and regulate the extent to which genes are activated in different cell types. Despite their role, it has so far been impossible to measure activity levels of enhancers in single cells. Hence, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project aiming to establish a novel method to measure the activity of enhancers and promoters in single cells and apply this method to disentangle the differentiation of cell types in developing tissues. This will allow to identify key gene regulatory mechanisms that define how cell types and tissues emerge.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and will include primarily experimental work (i.e., single cell method development, high throughput sequencing and library preparation, molecular biology, cell and organoid culture). Further efforts of the lab to devise additional experimental methods aiming at enhancer biology during development and disease progression will benefit the work of this project greatly. The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of interdisciplinary scientists in e.g., bioinformatics, cell biology, molecular biology and genomics.

We are seeking a genuinely motivated individual with a PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a comparable field with extensive experience in experimental lab work. A strong background in molecular biology as well as RNA and chromatin laboratory work are expected from the candidate. A background in or experience with fundamental bioinformatics and genomics data processing would be beneficial. Prior industrial experience in deadline-oriented, production-focused and reproducible laboratory work is seen as an advantage. Importantly, the applicant should have a strong interest in gene regulation and enhancer biology as well as a desire to work on an interdisciplinary project bridging single cell-genomics, method development, molecular and developmental biology. Continuous scientific discussions and a strong dedication for ongoing research questions within the group and amongst collaborators also require proactive participation and enthusiasm for problem solving.

In particular, we are looking for candidates with:

• A MSc in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, or a related discipline with extensive experience in experimental lab work
• Documented experience in advanced cell and organoid culture techniques, molecular cloning and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
• Documented experience in preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries, sequencing method development and optimization
• A high proficiency in spoken and written English

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab bridges the gap between gene regulatory mechanisms, transcriptional activation of enhancers and promoters in single cells on the one hand and the development of tissues and its dysregulation during disease on the other. For this, we devise new genomics methods and single cell techniques – both experimentally and computationally – to profile enhancers and promoters, model their activities and decode their interactions. In this way, we can pinpoint the time point and cell type where genetic variants begin to disrupt normal development – crucial information to develop new diagnostic approaches and identify therapeutic targets. As a young group in an established environment, we bring our great enthusiasm for science and making a difference for future patients into an already established environment with all the necessary equipment and facilities.

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab adheres to the MentorFirst principle that emphasizes the value of the researcher behind the work. A productive, successful project is an emerging property of motivated, well mentored lab members that feel freedom in and ownership of their projects. The hope is that empowered and successful lab members will continue contributing to academia and society with sound scientific work after their stint in the lab.

The Tissue Gene Regulation lab is based in a highly collaborative environment in the Section for Computational and RNA Biology, which is currently composed of 13 strong research groups. The Department of Biology is located at the Biocenter in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Due to its close proximity to the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) as well as the Faculty of Health and Medical Science, collaborations across disciplines, groups and institutes are a natural part of the efforts in the lab. We are especially connected to the Andersson lab in the same section due to our shared interest in gene regulation and several ongoing collaborations. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and computational infrastructure.

Principal and administrative supervisor is Associate Professor Robin Andersson. Robert Krautz, Assistant Professor and Group Leader of the Tissue Gene Regulation lab, will supervise all scientific, technical and experimental work. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Robert Krautz, robert.krautz@bio.ku.dk.

The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the PhD programme

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedicine. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years. Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry out an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high impact-journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of the project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in gene regulation and the development of sequencing methods
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page) outlining your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the above mentioned requirements.

The further process

After deadline