University of Copenhagen offering PhD position in Medical Genetics

A three year PhD fellowship is available under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Asli Silahtaroglu, Medical Genetics Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM). The research interest of the group is to investigate the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in short and long range epigenetic silencing and nuclear organization and to develop visualization methods for ncRNAs. 

Project description :

• Recent advances in genome research have elucidated a complex layer of regulation in addition to the protein coding genes. The two major players of this regulation are non (protein) coding RNA genes and epigenetic mechanisms. Both the regulation by ncRNAs and the epigenetic marks are especially found in access in the brain. The aim of this project is to identify and functionally characterize new non-coding RNAs. 
• The candidates main responsibility will be the establishment of cell based assays for ncRNA analysis, nuclear fragmentation, analysis of ncRNA expression, active and inactive histone marks coupled with prediction algorithms with respect to separating ncRNA in topographically different sets of ncRNAs . Furthermore, the candidate is expected to confirm the localization of the ncRNAs by in situ hybridization to specific cellular compartments. Finally, validated candidates will be furher explored for their role in certain genetic diseases. The project will explore the mechanisms underlying ncRNAs´ cooperation with epigenetic mechanisms, normal development or brain diseases. The project will make use of the state of the art functional genomics based approaches, based on advanced microscopy, next generation sequencing, methods of molecular biology and genetics and there will be close collaboration with the Center for Non-coding RNA in Health and Technology for bioinformatics during the course of the project. 
• Project Start Date : 15 January 2014 
  Qualifications: 
  • The candidate must hold a relevant Master´s degree.
  • Experience in minimum one of the areas; molecular genetics, epigenetics, neurobiology, ncRNA biology or microscopy will be necessary. Applicants with strong interests and/or background will be preferred. Experience with bioinformatics is an advantage but not a requirement.
  • Motivated candidates with a strong academic and/or publication track record are encouraged to apply. 
  Terms of employment : 
  • The successful PhD candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of three years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in a PhD degree and scientific publications. It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a PhD fellow, that the person concerned can be registered as a PhD fellow according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 18 of 14. January 2008. Information about the PhD programs at the Faculty of Health Science can be found at healthscience.ku.dk/phd/. 
  • Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organization. 
  • Further inquiries about the positions can be obtained by contacting: Associate Professor Asli Silahtaroglu (asli@sund.ku.dk) 
    How to apply : 
    • Applications must be written in English and include (i) a motivation for the application (up to 1 A4 page), (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) list of publications, if any (iv) a copy of MSc diploma and grade transcripts, (v) a short review of scientific research conducted previously for an MSc thesis or equivalent, and (vi) the names, e-mails, telephone numbers and addresses of 2-3 references.
    • Applications will be evaluated by an assessment committee. The applicant will be notified of the composition of the committee. Each applicant will receive the part of the evaluation that concerns her/him. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant. In addition, experience with some of the above mentioned methods will be an advantage. 
    • Applications should be sent electronically by using the link below. 
    Deadline for application : Nov 10, 2013
    Further information can be found at the following link:www.ICMM.ku.dk
    
    Foreign applicants may find the following links useful:www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) andwww.workingconditions.ku.dk