Postdoc in Embryonic DNA Replication and Chromatin Biology at The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral position in Embryonic DNA Replication and Chromatin Biology, commencing April 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. This role is part of the research programme From a Single Cell to a Complex Organism: Establishing Life with DNA Replication, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation through a Hallas-Møller Emerging Investigator grant.

About the research

The Halliwell Group investigates how a single fertilised egg successfully develops into a complex organism. The research focuses on understanding how DNA replication is established during the earliest stages of mammalian development and how failures in this process contribute to infertility, pregnancy loss, and developmental disorders. The group employs interdisciplinary approaches, including human embryology, mouse models, single-cell genomics, advanced imaging, and genome engineering.

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) provides state-of-the-art research infrastructure, including facilities for human and mouse embryology, transgenic mouse generation, advanced microscopy, and integrated single-cell genomics.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead two major components of the research programme:

• Identifying maternal proteins that promote successful early embryonic development through quantitative single-embryo proteomics.
• Exploring whether DNA replication programmes are determined by chromatin itself or by the surrounding nuclear environment, using cutting-edge approaches such as single-embryo proteomics, allele-resolved replication sequencing, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and innovative embryological techniques in both human samples and mouse models.

This position offers an opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of developmental biology, genome regulation, and reproductive medicine.

Requirements

• PhD degree or equivalent in Molecular or Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Embryology, or a related field.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, standard molecular biology, and embryology techniques.
• Experience supervising BSc, MSc, and/or PhD students.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an international team.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Desirable skills

• FELASA ABD accredited certificate in animal handling or equivalent.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering.
• Background in DNA replication, DNA repair, genome instability, and/or chromatin biology.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and associated bioinformatic analysis.
• Experience with single-cell or single-embryo genomic/proteomic workflows.
• First-author publication in a relevant field.
• Experience with mouse/human embryology, IVF/ICSI, or embryo microinjection.

Work environment

The position is based at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. The department offers a dynamic and international research environment with access to modern laboratories, integrated single-cell genomics facilities, and state-of-the-art embryology and imaging equipment.

Pay and schedule

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term role for up to 3 years, starting April 2027 or thereafter. The monthly salary starts at 39,900 DKK (approx. 5,350 EUR, October 2021 level), with potential supplements based on qualifications. An additional 18.07% is contributed to your pension fund. Foreign and Danish applicants holding a PhD degree and who have not lived in Denmark in the last 10 years may be eligible for tax reductions.