Postdoctoral Position in Aneuploidy, microRNA Biology and Cancer Research

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Start: 1 July 2026 (or by agreement) The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a 2-year postdoctoral position funded by the Kirsten & Freddy Johansen Foundation. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary project that is being undertaken jointly between the laboratories of Professor Ian D. Hickson and Associate Professor Héctor Herranz. The project is aimed at uncovering aneuploidy-associated vulnerabilities in cancer, with a special focus on XPO5-dependent microRNA networks and their therapeutic potential.

Project description
The project "Targeting Aneuploidy-Associated Vulnerabilities for Cancer Therapy" integrates human cell biology, Drosophila genetics, next-generation sequencing, and functional assays to identify mechanisms that selectively support the survival of aneuploid tumor cells.

The postdoc will:

• Characterize XPO5-dependent miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks using RNA-seq, small RNA-seq, bioinformatic analyses, and molecular validation assays.
• Utilize CRISPR-Cas9, inducible degron systems, and human cell culture models to assess the consequences of XPO5 inhibition in highly aneuploid cancer cells.
• Perform in vivo functional studies using Drosophila models of aneuploid tumors.
• Participate in a small-scale drug discovery screen in collaboration with the Lead Discovery Centre to assess the tractability of XPO5 as a therapeutic target.

The position offers excellent opportunities to work at the interface of cancer biology, chromosome instability, RNA biology, and translational discovery, within a highly collaborative and international research environment.

Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious candidate with:

Required qualifications

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Documented experience in either mammalian cell biology or Drosophila genetics.
• Experience of molecular cloning, and standard biochemical/molecular biology techniques (e.g. Western blotting, qPCR, RNA work).
• Hands-on experience with CRISPR-Cas9 editing, RNA-seq and/or miRNA biology.
• Experience analyzing cellular stress, apoptosis, or chromosome instability would be advantageous.

Highly desirable qualifications

• Expertise in next-generation sequencing data analysis (miRNA/mRNA profiling).
• Expertise in in vivo cancer models.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Personal qualities

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• A documented record of publications in internationally recognized journals.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and mechanistic cancer research.

Place of employment
The position is based at the ICMM, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. ICMM provides a stimulating, international research environment with access to advanced core facilities for genomics, imaging, and fly genetics. The postdoc will work with the Hickson group (chromosome stability, aneuploidy) and the Herranz group (Drosophila cancer models, microRNA biology) and interact with external collaborators in bioinformatics and drug discovery.

Scientific environment
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. ICMM currently comprises five research programmes, three high profile Research Centers as well as a number of international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen. You can read more at ?url=www.icmm.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.icmm.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4394" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.icmm.ku.dk

Terms of employment

• The position is a full-time, fixed-term 2-year appointment.
• Employment is in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC.
• Salary is set according to the agreements for academic staff at Danish universities and includes pension.

Questions
For further information please contact: Ian D Hickson iandhsund.ku.dk  or Héctor Herranz, hherranzsund.ku.dk

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically and include:

1. Letter of motivation describing your research interests and how your profile fits the project
2. Curriculum vitae
3. List of Publications
4. PhD diploma (or proof of expected completion)
5. Contact information for 2-3 referees

Deadline for applications: 7 April 2026, 23.59 CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

 

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation - with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture - creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Contact

Ian David Hickson

E-mail: fjl743ku.dk

Contact

Hector Herranz

E-mail: tgk601ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 07-04-2026

Employment start: 01-06-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

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