Research Assistants in the Svejstrup group at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Full-time NEW

Research Assistant Position

We are looking for one or two highly motivated research assistants for a 4-month period to investigate how a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) variant of ASCC3 regulates transcriptional recovery following DNA damage, in the Svejstrup lab, DNRF Center of Excellence, Center for Gene Expression (CGEN), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Starting date: January 1, 2027.

Previous work from the Svejstrup group identified two gene products of ASCC3 implicated in this response: a protein, encoded by the long mRNA transcript, that suppresses transcription during the late stages of the UV-induced global shutdown; and a short mRNA transcript that acts as a regulatory lncRNA, suppressing the ASCC3 protein's function and enabling transcriptional recovery.

The project will be focused on understanding how the ASCC3 lncRNA regulates RNAPII-mediated transcription and its recovery after DNA damage, using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies to generate and manipulate ASCC3 transcript variants, combined with state-of-the-art transcription profiling approaches such as TTchem-seq and RNA-seq.

The role of the candidate will primarily be to perform experiments in the laboratory, analyse and interpret data, scientific publication, and undertake training, as well as attend scientific seminars.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic scientists with the following competencies and experience:

• You have a master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine or similar
• You are highly experienced in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, generation of stable cell lines, and transient transfections
• You are highly experienced in working with long, non-coding RNAs and their effect in the DNA damage response
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have experience with genome-wide sequencing approaches and bioinformatic analysis
• Experience with protein-based methods, including immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and microscopy

The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and with access to state-of-the-art facilities for cell engineering, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry.

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The positions are fixed-term positions limited to a period of 4 months. While funding is currently secured for the first 4 months, the possibility of extending the position to 11 months is expected to be clarified during the recruitment process.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34.211,01 DKK/approx. 4.576,89 EUR (August 2026 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

For further information please contact Jesper Svejstrup, jsvejstrup@sund.ku.dk.

Deadline for applications: 29 October 2026 at 23.59pm CET.

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 University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.