Two postdoc positions focusing on the gene-regulatory role of the oncoprotein MYC in cancer are available in the group of Associate Professor Rasmus Siersbæk (Siersbaek group) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). The positions are available from 1^st June 2025 or soon thereafter. Application deadline: 1 April 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Research Project

You will lead a research project focused on dissecting the gene-regulatory mechanisms, whereby the oncoprotein MYC controls cancer cell biology. You will integrate loss- and gain-of-function tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas and degron systems) with a range of advanced omics approaches (including single-cell technologies) in pre-clinical model systems such as cell lines and patient-derived tumor organoids as well as patient samples. The goal is to uncover key gene-regulatory mechanisms and transcriptional regulators supporting MYC action in breast cancer to understand how this critical oncoprotein controls cancer biology and potentially provide new therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of this disease. Expertise in functional genomics methods (e.g., single-cell and bulk RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq) and omics data analysis is considered highly advantageous.

Selected references:

1. Jakobsen et al., 2024. MYC activity at enhancers drives prognostic transcriptional programs through an epigenetic switch. Nat Genet. 56(4):663-674. 
2. Siersbæk et al., 2020. IL6/STAT3 signaling hijacks ER enhancers to drive breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Cell 38(3):412-423.e9. 
3. Papachristou et al., 2018. A quantitative mass spectrometry-based approach to monitor the dynamics of endogenous chromatin-associated protein complexes. Nat Commun. 9(1):2311.

Lab and Research Environment
You will be part of the research group led by Assoc. Prof. Rasmus Siersbæk (Siersbaek group) at the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Siersbæk group is part of the Functional Genomics and Metabolism research unit at BMB, which provides a highly international, collaborative, ambitious and innovative research environment for functional genomics analyses of gene-regulatory mechanisms. In addition, the Siersbæk group is affiliated with the translational cancer hub at SDU and Odense University Hospital (OUH), which is a newly formed collaborative cancer research environment with a strong scientific and social network for postdoctoral fellows and good mentoring opportunities to support individual career development. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (e.g., sequencing, proteomics and bioimaging) and extensive expertise in functional genomics, gene-regulatory mechanisms and cancer biology. This international, well-equipped, highly ambitious and supportive research environment therefore provides a great setting for pursuing novel research ideas and developing your independent career. 

Your Profile
We are looking for highly motivated, innovative and collaborative postdocs to lead research projects on MYC in cancer as outlined above. You have:

• A PhD in Life Science, e.g., Molecular Biology. 
• Expertise in functional genomics approaches and omics data analysis.
• Expertise and interest in gene-regulatory mechanisms.
• Motivation and strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We Offer

• A postdoc position (2½-3 years) in a stimulating, vibrant and supportive research environment with a focus on mentoring and individual career development.
• Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management, oral and written communication and networking.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, e.g., sequencing, proteomics and bioimaging.
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc).
• Support with practical, social and legal aspects (e.g. housing, visa, tax etc) through our international staff office (ISO) and the department.

The deadline for applications: 1 April 2025.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk