Postdoc in Genetics and Physiology at Department of Biology Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen
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Postdoc in Genetics and Physiology at Department of Biology Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen
Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering a Postdoc position in Biology commencing 01.05.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Description of the scientific environment
The Andersen-Colombani group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting postdoc to work on a 3-year project aiming at dissecting how stem cell-microenvironment crosstalk guide stem cell migration during tissue regeneration using the Drosophila Melanogaster midgut as a model system. The position is available to start on the 1st of May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The group is housed in the section of Cell and Neurobiology at the Department of Biology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/).
Project Description
Adult stem cells (SCs) can migrate in response to specific cues, a property with important implications for wound healing and regenerative medicine. Tracking SC migration in vivo is challenging, so most studies have relied on in vitro systems using polymeric nanocomposite scaffolds, which have demonstrated how variation in surface topography—and thus the cell-substrate interface—shape SC behaviour. Importantly, the packing of neighboring epithelial cells and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) strongly influences SC movement during tissue repair, underscoring the need to study SC migration in the context of an intact tissue. To study SC migration in the context of intact tissue, our team recently developed a platform to track intestinal stem cell (ISC) movement in the Drosophila midgut in real time. We have demonstrated that ISCs migrate towards injured sites forming regenerative clusters that resolve as the tissue returns to homeostasis. This system offers a powerful model for dissecting how dynamic ISC-cell and ISC-ECM interactions influence SC migration during tissue regeneration.
The project integrates Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact, label-free technique, to measure how the mechanical properties of the ECM and ISCs shift as the tissue transitions between homeostatic and regenerative states. These biophysical measurements will be combined with confocal imaging to map ECM-associated molecules and genetic tools to determine how ECM mechanics and composition guide ISC migration during regeneration and the re-establishment of tissue architecture after repair. In parallel, live imaging will track ISC morphological dynamics and their impact on surrounding cells and ECM, revealing how stem cells remodel their environment to facilitate movement.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a PhD in Biology or a related field, a strong background in Drosophila genetics and extensive experience with real-time live imaging.
The postdoc’s duties will include research within the field of genetics and physiology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Principal supervisors:
Dr. Ditte Andersen, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, ditte.andersen@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 85 30 22
Dr. Julien Colombani, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, julien.colombani@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 84 76 66.
Qualifications/Selection criteria
The position is open from 1st of May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
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 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (November 2025 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 application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include
The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
Description of the scientific environment
The Andersen-Colombani group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting postdoc to work on a 3-year project aiming at dissecting how stem cell-microenvironment crosstalk guide stem cell migration during tissue regeneration using the Drosophila Melanogaster midgut as a model system. The position is available to start on the 1st of May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The group is housed in the section of Cell and Neurobiology at the Department of Biology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/).
Project Description
Adult stem cells (SCs) can migrate in response to specific cues, a property with important implications for wound healing and regenerative medicine. Tracking SC migration in vivo is challenging, so most studies have relied on in vitro systems using polymeric nanocomposite scaffolds, which have demonstrated how variation in surface topography—and thus the cell-substrate interface—shape SC behaviour. Importantly, the packing of neighboring epithelial cells and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) strongly influences SC movement during tissue repair, underscoring the need to study SC migration in the context of an intact tissue. To study SC migration in the context of intact tissue, our team recently developed a platform to track intestinal stem cell (ISC) movement in the Drosophila midgut in real time. We have demonstrated that ISCs migrate towards injured sites forming regenerative clusters that resolve as the tissue returns to homeostasis. This system offers a powerful model for dissecting how dynamic ISC-cell and ISC-ECM interactions influence SC migration during tissue regeneration.
The project integrates Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact, label-free technique, to measure how the mechanical properties of the ECM and ISCs shift as the tissue transitions between homeostatic and regenerative states. These biophysical measurements will be combined with confocal imaging to map ECM-associated molecules and genetic tools to determine how ECM mechanics and composition guide ISC migration during regeneration and the re-establishment of tissue architecture after repair. In parallel, live imaging will track ISC morphological dynamics and their impact on surrounding cells and ECM, revealing how stem cells remodel their environment to facilitate movement.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a PhD in Biology or a related field, a strong background in Drosophila genetics and extensive experience with real-time live imaging.
The postdoc’s duties will include research within the field of genetics and physiology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.
Principal supervisors:
Dr. Ditte Andersen, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, ditte.andersen@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 85 30 22
Dr. Julien Colombani, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, julien.colombani@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 84 76 66.
Qualifications/Selection criteria
- Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Biology or related field
- Having postdoctoral experience is an advantage
- Having prior experience with the Drosophila model, Live imaging and Genetics is essential
- Having a background in tissue mechanics is an advantage
- Strong motivation and very good scientific skills are essential
- Having demonstrated the ability to conduct high-impact research
The position is open from 1st of May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
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 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (November 2025 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 application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
- List of publications.
The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.