<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> Postdoctoral Positions to Study Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Stability in Cancer <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

The laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for two highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to study the molecular mechanisms linking DNA replication, chromatin dynamics, and genome stability in cancer.

Scientific Background
DNA replication is essential for cellular proliferation and the faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. However, replication forks are constantly challenged by a wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, including metabolic fluctuations, transcription–replication conflicts, and chromatin-based barriers. These challenges give rise to replication stress, a hallmark of virtually all cancer types and many developmental disorders. Despite its importance, our understanding of how DNA replication is coordinated with chromatin state and endogenous cellular stress to preserve genome integrity remains limited.

The Somyajit laboratory has a strong interest in uncovering the regulatory foundations of the cell cycle, DNA replication, chromatin regulation, and genome surveillance in human pathophysiology. The lab integrates CRISPR-based genome engineering, quantitative and live-cell microscopy, biochemistry, and computational analysis to dissect how cells sense and respond to replication-associated threats. Recent work from the lab has identified previously unrecognized cell-intrinsic mechanisms that regulate replisome dynamics and fork speed, establishing replisome velocity control as a key genome surveillance strategy (PMIDs: 29123070, 33621493, 33087936, 30566856, 39947938; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.15.641049 ).

Postdoctoral Projects
Project 1: Replisome Dynamics, Replication Stress, and Cancer Vulnerabilities

This project aims to explore the dynamic nature of the human replisome, with a focus on replisome protein architecture, replisome speed control, and replication stress responses in cancer cells. By combining CRISPR-based endogenous protein tagging, advanced quantitative imaging, and biochemical approaches, this project seeks to uncover novel principles of replisome plasticity. A key long-term objective is to identify cancer-specific replication vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for therapeutic targeting and novel drug discovery.

Project 2: Oncohistones, Chromatin Rewiring, and Genome Stability in Pediatric Cancer
This project will investigate how epigenomic alterations driven by oncohistones and oncohistone-mimicking mechanisms reshape chromatin structure, replication dynamics, and genome surveillance pathways. The project is particularly relevant to aggressive pediatric hindbrain cancers, which display profound epigenetic dysregulation yet paradoxically maintain relatively stable genomes. By linking chromatin misregulation to replication dynamics, this project aims to uncover mechanisms that enable malignant cells to proliferate while preserving chromosomal integrity.

Candidate Profile
We seek candidates with a strong background and proven track record in genome integrity, DNA replication, chromatin biology, or cancer research. Required expertise includes:

• CRISPR-based endogenous genome editing and protein tagging
• Biochemistry
• Optical and quantitative microscopy
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills

Experience with live-cell imaging, image analysis, and interdisciplinary research will be considered an advantage.

Position Details

• Number of positions: 2
• Starting date: 15 March 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
• Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of extension

You will interact and collaborate closely with researchers in the Somyajit laboratory and with members of other groups within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, fostering a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment. The department have state-of-the-art facilities for bioimaging, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with the Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Postdoc qualifications/requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidate with:

• A PhD degree in Life Science, preferable Cell Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Biology
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental Cell cycle, DNA replication and Genome integrity
• At least one first-author publication or pre-print in a relevant journal in the field
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and a desire to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: genome integrity, stem cell culture, quantitative and live-cell microscopy, or bioinformatics

We offer

• Two-year postdoc position in a stimulating and supportive, international research environment
• Support in developing and writing independent postdoc fellowship applications (such as, EMBO long-term fellowship, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-postdoc fellowship, Lundbeck Foundation-postdoc grant, Danish Cancer society- postdoc fellowship)   
• Training in a wide range of skills including leadership, research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of grants and manuscripts etc.
• Mentoring and career development
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators.
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department

For further information please contact: Kumar Somyajit, ksom&#64;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 .

The application must include the following:

• A letter stating your specific interests, motivation, and qualifications for the project (max. two pages) 
• CV incl. education, work/research experience and skills relevant for the position. Including information on previous employment with start and end dates 
• Copy of PhD certificate. If awaiting PhD, provide a written statement from the supervisor
• List of publications
• A description of your research interests in relation to the overall aim of the project (max one page excluding references)
• Names and contact details of at least two referees

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.
To qualify you must have passed a PhD or equivalent. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

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

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.

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

• Job Identification 3523
• Job Category VIP
• Posting Date 01/06/2026, 02:44 AM
• Locations Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, DK
• Apply Before 01/31/2026, 05:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time