Postdoc position in Primary cilia and extracellular vesicle release in kidney epithelial cells, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen

Description of the project

Most cells in our body contain antenna-like structures on their surface called primary cilia, which are important for regulating cell-cell communication and thereby the development and function of our organs. Defects in cilia can lead to severe human diseases called ciliopathies, which often affect the kidneys. Primary cilia of kidney epithelial cells are known to release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which may serve to regulate ciliary membrane homeostasis as well as intercellular signaling. How alterations in EV release and composition contribute renal ciliopathy disease pathology is, however, not well understood. The main aim of the project is to investigate how mutations in specific renal ciliopathy disease genes affect the release and composition of EVs from cilia and/or the cell body, and how potential defects in these processes are affected by small molecules designed to target cilia-linked signaling pathways.

The project is part of the EU-funded consortium “Therapies for renal ciliopathies” (https://theracil.eu/) that aims to develop safe and efficient treatment approaches for pediatric renal ciliopathies. The TheRaCil consortium is coordinated by Dr. Sophie Saunier at the Institut Imagine (France). It brings together 17 partners from 6 countries and builds on multiple existing national and European networks in the field of cilia biology and clinical genetics of kidney diseases.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the above-described field as well as teaching/student supervision. The position may also include performance of other duties. Experience with molecular biology, mammalian cell culture and fluorescence imaging approaches is required. Knowledge about primary cilia, ciliopathies and/or extracellular vesicles is an advantage, but not an absolute requirement.

Further information about the Department can be found at https://science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation. Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Lotte Bang Pedersen (E-mail: [email protected]) or Professor Søren Tvorup Christensen (E-mail: [email protected]).

The position is open from 1st of July, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for 3 years.

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 position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Names of at least 2 references

The deadline for applications is 12th of April 2024, at 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held from 1st to 8th of May, 2024.