Research Assistants in the Svejstrup group at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen
Summary
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.
Job description
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.
Your job
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.
Essential Experience And Skills
- Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine or similar
- Highly experienced in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, generation of stable cell lines, and transient transfections
- 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
- Experience with genome-wide sequencing approaches and bioinformatic analysis
- Experience with protein-based methods, including immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and microscopy
Requirements
- Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine or similar
- Highly experienced in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques
- CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing
- Generation of stable cell lines
- Transient transfections
- 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
- Experience with genome-wide sequencing approaches and bioinformatic analysis (desirable)
- Experience with protein-based methods including immunoprecipitation, western blotting, and microscopy (desirable)
Benefits
- Pension Contribution
- Tax Reduction Eligibility
- Modern Laboratories
- Next-Generation Sequencing Access
- Flow Cytometry Access
- Mass Spectrometry Access
Company overview
The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen is a premier academic institution dedicated to pharmaceutical education and cutting-edge research in pharmaceutical sciences. As part of Denmark's oldest and most prestigious university, the department focuses on advancing pharmaceutical analytical chemistry, drug development, and pharmaceutical technology. It houses the Center for Advanced Drug Analysis (CADA), which combines three specialized research groups: Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Drug Toxicology, Metabolism and Analysis, and Protein Analysis Group. The department offers comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs in pharmaceutical sciences, providing students with rigorous theoretical training and hands-on laboratory experience. Research activities span modern analytical chemistry techniques including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, and mass spectrometry imaging for drug analysis. The department maintains strong collaborations with pharmaceutical industry partners such as Novo Nordisk, Roche, and Biogen, facilitating translational research and student opportunities. With a focus on both fundamental pharmaceutical research and applied drug development, the Department of Pharmacy plays a crucial role in training the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and advancing pharmaceutical innovation in Denmark and internationally.