Postdoctoral position in Leptin Gene Regulation and Adipocyte Biology

The Mandrup group invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Postdoctoral position in our group based at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark. The position is offered for a duration of up to three years and will be available from January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project and Research Environment

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a project focusing on the molecular mechanisms regulating human leptin (LEP) gene expression in adipocytes. The aim is to identify the cis-regulatory elements, transcription factors, and signaling pathways controlling LEP expression during adipocyte differentiation and in mature adipocytes, and to understand how chromatin architecture and physiological signals are integrated to regulate leptin production. To address these questions, the project combines complementary, state-of-the-art approaches, including:

Chromatin conformation analyses (e.g., Region-Capture Micro-C, Capture-C, and related approaches)

Epigenomic profiling (e.g., ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, and DynaTag)

Genome editing and perturbation approaches (e.g., CRISPRi, CRISPR/Cas9, and siRNA-mediated knockdown)

Transcriptomic and multi-omics analyses

Computational modelling of gene regulatory networks and integration with clinical and physiological data

The project is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment that combines molecular biology, functional genomics, computational biology, and translational studies in primary human adipocytes.

Job Description

The Postdoctoral fellow will drive experimental activities and contribute to the scientific development of the project. The position requires both independent work and close collaboration within the research group.

Key responsibilities include:

Designing and conducting experiments investigating the regulation of human leptin (LEP) gene expression

Generating and analyzing transcriptomic, epigenomic, and chromatin conformation datasets

Integrating multi-omics, physiological, and clinical data to identify regulatory networks governing leptin expression

Implementing and optimizing advanced molecular, genomic, and computational methods in adipocyte model systems and primary human adipocytes

In addition, the candidate will:

Contribute to supervision and mentoring of students

Participate in preparation of scientific publications and dissemination of results

Actively contribute to a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive research environment

Qualifications

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong postdoctoral research profile and expertise in functional genomics and the molecular regulation of gene expression.

Required qualifications:

A PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related field

Strong background and experimental skills in molecular biology, functional genomics, and transcriptional regulation

Ability to independently drive research projects

Strong collaborative and communication skills

Proficiency in spoken and written English

In addition, the following qualifications are relevant but not required:

Hands-on experience with adipocyte biology, metabolic research, or cellular differentiation systems

Experience with chromatin conformation methods (e.g., Capture-C, Micro-C, Hi-C, or related approaches)

Experience with epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques (e.g., ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, or related sequencing-based assays)

Experience with analysis and integration of multi-omics datasets

Experience with computational biology, bioinformatics pipelines, and R for data analysis and visualization

Hands-on experience with genome editing and gene perturbation technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPRi, or RNA interference)

We offer

A position in a focused, externally funded research project at the forefront of chromatin biology research

Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within genomics, imaging, and molecular biology

An international, highly collaborative, and dynamic research environment

Strong support for scientific development and career progression

Competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits

The Mandrup Group

The Mandrup Group has a long-standing interest in the detailed molecular mechanisms governing transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation. We apply a variety of sequencing-based, computational, and molecular technologies, combined with loss- and gain-of-function strategies to study the mechanisms and role of the 3D chromatin architecture, the crosstalk between enhancers in enhancer communities and the role of specific transcription factors.

You will work closely together with other postdoctoral fellows and PhD students in the group, and you will also be expected to collaborate with colleagues in the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) and Center of Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN), both directed by Susanne Mandrup. Furthermore, you will be able to benefit from the many international collaborations of our group.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit

The Mandrup Group is located in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The research unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on how specific cell types regulate gene expression and how this affects the development and function of cells and tissues. Thus, our research aims to better understand how genes regulate human physiology and diseases such as obesity, fatty liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next-generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging, cell culture, and dietary intervention and transgenic mouse models. The unit maintains strategic research alliances with Odense University Hospital (OUH). This provides a highly stimulating research environment with numerous opportunities for learning and developing new ideas.

For further information, please contact Center Director Prof. Susanne Mandrup, s.mandrup@bmb.sdu.dk.

Application, salary, etc.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.

As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process.

SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.

The application must be submitted in English and include the following:

Motivation letter (max. one page)

A curriculum vitae including education, information on previous employment/research experience with start and end dates, and skills relevant to the position

Copy of certificates relevant to the position

A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely.

At least two letters of reference (including referee contact details and their relationship to you). Referees may send their letters directly to s.mandrup@bmb.sdu.dk. Please note that all letters of reference must be received before the application deadline

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

Shortlisting may be used as part of the assessment process, and an interview may be included in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now.” Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

If you experience technical problems, please contact hcm-support@sdu.dk

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

The university wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

About SDU

The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.