Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering an assistant professor position in Biology commencing 01.02.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Description of the scientific environment
The Andersen-Colombani group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting an assistant professor to work on a 3-year project aiming at understanding how lateral inhibition and cellular plasticity are balanced during transitions between homeostasis and tissue regeneration using Drosophila Melanogaster as a model organism. The position is available to start on the 1st of February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The group is housed in the section of Cell and Neurobiology at the Department of Biology (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/).
Project Description
Adult tissue regeneration often mirrors developmental processes, including increased stem cell (SC) motility and temporary disruption of spatial patterning. A key step in restoring normal architecture is rebalancing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and its reverse, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Disruption of this balance can result in persistent SC activation and tumorigenesis. Notably, the mechanisms underpinning MET remains poorly understood due to challenges in tracking SC behaviour in vivo. We have recently established a framework for real-time tracking of spatiotemporal intestinal SC (ISC) dynamics during early and late regeneration in the Drosophila gut. During homeostasis, ISC/enteroblast (EB) progenitor pairs are evenly spaced within the epithelium, typically separated by 2-3 enterocytes (ECs). Upon localized damage, ISCs migrate and form clusters at the injury site within 4-6 hours, which gradually resolve as homeostasis is restored. While Delta-Notch mediated lateral inhibition maintains ISC-EB pairing during homeostasis, it cannot account for their stereotypical distribution. Moreover, as migrating ISCs detach from EBs during regeneration, ISC-EB interactions are unlikely to guide MET. The advertised project seeks to identify the ligands and receptors mediating ISC-EC interactions and to determine their role in maintaining homeostatic growth patterns and re-establishing epithelial organization following injury.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a PhD in Biology or a related field, postdoctoral experience, and a strong background in Drosophila gut physiology, real-time live imaging, and genetic techniques.
The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within genetics and physiology. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties
Principal supervisors:
Dr. Ditte Andersen, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, ditte.andersen@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 85 30 22
Dr. Julien Colombani, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, julien.colombani@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 84 76 66.
Qualifications/Selection criteria
- Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Biology or related field and postdoctoral experience
- Having prior experience with the Drosophila model, Live imaging and Genetics is essential
- Having a solid background in tissue homeostasis and regeneration is an advantage
- Strong motivation and very good scientific skills are essential
- Having demonstrated the ability to conduct high-impact research
- Having shown the ability to attract external funding is an advantage
- Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but teaching and supervision experience will be considered.
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .
Further information on the Department can be found on the Department of Biology website. Inquiries about the position can be made to Ditte Andersen, ditte.andersen@bio.ku.dk
The position is open from 01.02.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
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.
Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include
- Curriculum vitae
- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
- Research plan – description of current and future research plans
- If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
- Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
- Teaching experience
- Formal pedagogical training
- Complete publication list
- Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers
The deadline for applications is 27 August 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
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