Fixed-term

Research positions the role of Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumour microenvironment (TME) in CRC

Details Close date – Friday, 31 December 2027 Academic background – Health Sciences Host campus – Dunedin Qualification – Master’s, PhD Department – Pathology (Dunedin) Supervisor – Associate Professor Adele Woolley Overview The research project aims to investigate the role of Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumour microenvironment (TME) in CRC using an in vitro model employing the RASTRUM 3D cell culture platform (Inventia) to model the tumour microenviroment. It uses both CRC cell lines and fibroblast cell lines; two from colon adenocarcinomas one a normal fibroblast line. It will characterise both the level and cellular location of the p53 isoform Δ133TP53 (mRNA and protein, using both using both RNAscope and Inmmunofluorescence (IF)) together with that of cytokines (including IL6 and IL2), using matrices (co-cultures) printed using the RASTRUM. Functional assays (including cell migration and invasion) will also be used to further characterise the tumour microenvironment. Contact Contact name – Adele Woolley Email – adele.woolley@otago.ac.nz

Position of full-time assistant in the Department of Biomedical Sciences within the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Cancer

Missions The person hired: • will conduct research leading, in the long term, to a doctoral thesis in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences within the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Cancer (NARILIS), under the supervision of Professor Jean-Pierre Gillet. The thesis will fall within one of the fundamental or translational research areas of the laboratory (https://www.narilis.be/research-group/jean-pierre-gillet); • will provide practical and tutorial instruction in molecular and cellular biology in the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in biomedical sciences; • will supervise the final year projects of the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences; • will supervise the dissertations of Master’s students in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Profile Diploma : Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biology, bioengineering, pharmacy or medicine. Required skills and qualities: • High-quality academic background that aligns with the missions mentioned above; • Good knowledge of molecular and cellular biology; • Laboratory research experience (thesis, internship, student researcher status, etc.); • Ability to teach in French (Bachelor’s) and English (Master’s) from the start of employment, proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking); • Interest and motivation for basic and translational research; • Desire to quickly achieve autonomy in the planning and execution of experiments. Additional information Professor Jean-Pierre GILLET Tel: 081/72.42.75 – Email: jean-pierre.gillet@unamur.be Remarks The salary package Working at UNamur means benefiting from: • Internal and external training to help you become even better in your profession; • A full refund of your public transport subscription, a bicycle allowance, free parking (cars/bicycles); • Extra-legal leave* and a collective closure between Christmas and New Year; • Insurance: Accident in private life, Hospitalization at preferential rates (at the expense of the employee); • A nursery, an after-school care service and other benefits at preferential rates (1); • Discounts at various shops and leisure activities in the region. (1) According to the rules in force at UNamur. More information at https://www.unamur.be/fr/universite/travailler/baremes-avantages Selection criteria • Review of CVs; • Interview by the Recruitment Committee. Application procedure: Application forms can be downloaded from the following address: http://www.unamur.be/universite/jobs/formulaires/formulaire-de-candidature-pour-le-personnel-scientifique-francais-anglais/view. Complete applications, including the application form, a curriculum vitae and a cover letter, must be sent in PDF format to Pr. Jean-Pierre GILLET, jean-pierre.gillet@unamur.be, indicating the job reference (Z 50007943) by April 2nd at the latest. Our human resources management policy is based on respect for equal rights and treatment of all. This diversity is further structured around various criteria: gender, disability, origin, beliefs, age, sexual orientation, etc. The University of Namur is also a signatory of the diversity charter. UNamur has also committed to adhering to the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the European Union Code for the Recruitment of Researchers in its human resources management (OTM-R policy).

Position of full-time assistant in the Department of Biomedical Sciences

Missions The Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine is hiring an assistant to: • practical or tutorial instruction for third-year Bachelor’s students in biomedical sciences within the framework of the teaching unit “Workshops in Molecular and Cellular Biology” • practical or tutorial teaching to second-year medical students within the framework of the “Biochemistry and Cell Biology III and IV” teaching units • practical or tutorial teaching for second-year veterinary medicine students within the framework of the “Biochemistry of Domestic Animals” teaching unit • the supervision of personal projects (for example, final year projects) and dissertations; • Research work within the framework of a doctoral thesis. The work will be carried out within the Molecular Physiology Research Unit (URPhyM) and NARILIS (https://www.narilis.be/), under the supervision of Professor Marielle Boonen. The thesis will fall within the field of “Lysosomal Functions and Dysfunctions”; • service tasks such as information and study sessions, open days and support for projects of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Profile Applicants must hold a 120-credit master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biology (biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology), or pharmacy. Required skills and qualities: • Theoretical prerequisites for teaching molecular and cellular biology, as well as biochemistry / Quality of academic background; • Theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques related to the practical/tutorial sessions to be taught and the research that will take place within the framework of the thesis; • Teaching skills; • Critical thinking and synthesis skills, scientific rigor; • Ability to teach the subjects mentioned above in French from the start of the engagement; • Professionalism, initiative, autonomy, proactivity; • Motivation ; • Organizational capacity to combine teaching and research; • Knowledge of English (written and spoken). The following will be considered additional assets: • Have a proficiency in computer programs: Excel, Word, PowerPoint; • Hold FELASA accreditation for animal handling; • Have experience in handling laboratory animals; • Hold a driver’s license to facilitate collaborations with other research institutes or hospitals. Additional information Professor Marielle Boonen Tel: 081/72.42.39 – Email:marielle.boonen@unamur.be Remarks Salary package: Working at UNamur means benefiting from: • Internal and external training to help you become even better in your profession; • A full refund of your public transport subscription, a bicycle allowance, free parking (cars/bicycles); • Extra-legal leave* and a collective closure between Christmas and New Year; • Insurance: Accident in private life, Hospitalization at preferential rates (at the expense of the employee); • A nursery, an after-school care service and other benefits at preferential rates (1); • Discounts at various shops and leisure activities in the region. (1) According to the rules in force at UNamur. More information at https://www.unamur.be/fr/universite/travailler/baremes-avantages Selection criteria: • Review of CVs; • Interview by the Recruitment Committee. Application procedure: Application forms should be requested from the Human Resources Department of the University of Namur, rue de Bruxelles, 61, 5000 Namur, or can be downloaded from the following address: http://www.unamur.be/universite/jobs/formulaires Applicants should include the following with their application form: • A cover letter, • A complete curriculum vitae, • A copy of their diploma, • A copy of any relevant document (publication, significant project, etc.). The application form, along with its attachments, must be submitted electronically to Professor Marielle Boonen,marielle.boonen@unamur.be , no later than April 1, 2026.Please ensure that you indicate the position reference number Z50001007 on the application form. Our Human Resources management policy is based on respect for equal rights and treatment of all. This diversity is further structured around various criteria: gender, disability, origin, beliefs, age, sexual orientation, etc. The University of Namur is also a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Furthermore, UNamur has committed to adhering to the 40 principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the European Union’s Code on the Recruitment of Researchers in its Human Resources management (OTM-R policy).

PhD position – “Research on vascular and lymphatic complications in Fontan circulation”

Project This PhD position (4 years) focusses on lymphatic (and vascular) complications in patients with failing Fontan circulation. The Fontan circulation is a life-saving surgical procedure for individuals born with only one functional heart chamber leading to complications in about one-third of adult patients. You will be part of a project that uses both animal models and patient data to develop a better understanding of the changes in blood and lymphatic vessels that lead to Fontan failure. In this context, you will analyze clinical data and lymphatic changes associated with the Fontan hemodynamics in patients.  In addition, lymphatic changes will be studied in a large scale sheep model. You will apply and analyze advanced imaging techniques to assess hemodynamic and lymphatic changes, using MRI, echocardiography, and histological evaluations. This translational approach provides innovative, detailed lymphatic assessment and will significantly improve our understanding and management of patients with Fontan circulation. Throughout the project, you will closely collaborate with the multidisciplinary team in cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiology, vascular biology, and lymphatic research. Profile You have a master’s degree in medicine, or another relevant discipline. You have a creative  and analytical mindset and look for problem-solving ideas and opportunities. You have an interest in cardiovascular research, particularly in MRI imaging in congenital heart defects. You have outstanding oral and written communication skills in English, and ideally in Dutch as well. You are expected to work both independently and as part of a team. You are expected to be flexible, precise, and motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team. You are expected to work translational with animal models and patient data. You are expected to contribute to the writing of research proposals and supervise master students. Offer A supportive and collaborative team in which you can develop know-how and expertise in clinical and translational research aspects of congenital heart disease. Access to clinical treatment, advanced MRI imaging and basic research facilities. Integration in the European research landscape. Opportunities to build up research and innovation skills. Possibilities to attend international conferences and networking. Funding is secured for 4 years. KU Leuven offers a stimulating environment for international students and support for young scientists in their career development. Interested? For more information, please contact Prof. Ruth Heying, tel.: +3216340638, mail: ruth.heying@uzleuven.be or Prof. Sarah Thomis, mail: sarah.thomis@uzleuven.be You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026 via the online application tool KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address. Sollicitatieprocedure Arbeidsvoorwaarden Loopbaanmogelijkheden Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be

Position of Doctoral grant/scholarship in medical microbiology in the Department of Vaccine & infectious disease institute

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow’s world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Science/Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute at the University of Antwerp is seeking to fill a full-time (100%)vacancy for a Doctoral Grant in the area of Medical Microbiology under supervision of Prof. Sandra Van Puyvelde. Position You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of medical microbiology. You will carry out high-quality academic research providing a genomics perspective of coli disease in sub-Saharan Africa. You will publish scientific articles related to the research project. You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks. Profile You hold a Master degree in Bio-engineering, Biomedical sciences, Pharmaceutical sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology, Biotechnology or equivalent degrees or you will have obtained it by the time you start work. You can demonstrate excellent study results. You have experience working with bacterial pathogens in a microbiological and molecular biology lab environment. You hold strong bioinformatics skills, including programming and scripting (R, Python and Bash) and using bacterial bioinformatics tools and databases. You are familiar working on HPC environments. Experience working in international environments and in sub-Saharan Africa is considered as a highly valuable asset. You can work both independently as well as in an international team You can plan and perform laboratory experiments accurately You have strong analytical thinking skills, an appropriate problem solving attitude, can systematically approach complex issues and is an excellent planner to meet milestone and deliverable deadlines. Fluency in English is required Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply. Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision. Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation. What we offer We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period. The planned start date is 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible after that date. Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting. As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School. You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here. Want to apply? You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 16 March 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter your academic CV The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Van Puyvelde at Sandra.vanpuyvelde@uantwerpen.be. The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply. Apply Now

PhD fellowship in Micronutrient intake and status in healthy young adults fed either a plant-based or a meat-based diet

MICROSUNSET is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) funded by the European Union, in which we have 12 open positions for Doctoral Candidates (DCs). We aim to create a network of early-stage researchers equipped with knowledge and skills – including entrepreneurship –to develop and support implementation strategies that address micronutrient deficiencies in Europe as diets shift toward more plant-based foods. For MICROSUNSET we will recruit 12 highly talented DCs, whose collective research will focus on bio-accessibility and bioavailability of micronutrients, and strategies to produce and process plant-based foods with enhanced concentration of micronutrients as an integrative part of sustainable and healthy diets. Development of analytical methods, digestion models, dietary modelling, and conducting consumer surveys will form part of the Doctoral Network’s tasks. The 12 PhD candidates will be based across seven different universities in Europe: four in Denmark (three at the Technical University of Denmark and one at the University of Copenhagen), two in Germany (Technical University of Munich), one in the Netherlands (Wageningen University), one in Ireland (University College Cork), two in the United Kingdom (University of Newcastle upon Tyne), and two in Finland (University of Helsinki). To train the DCs as the next generation of micronutrient researchers in our international and interdisciplinary program, MICROSUNSET brings together experts from several disciplines as supervisors, forming a consortium of seven beneficiaries (see above) and fourteen associated partners including six from industry and two start-ups. To be eligible for a MICROSUNSET PhD-position, you must not have lived, studied, or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the last 36 months, and must not already hold a doctoral degree. DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH:  Throughout the project, you will collaborate with other Doctoral Candidates (DCs) in the MICROSUNSET consortium to contribute to generating evidence-based knowledge about micronutrient content, intake, digestibility and bioavailability from plant-based diets. Part of the PhD-study will take place as external stay at Aarhus University and The Danish Agricultural and Food Council. Responsibilities  As part of your research, you will Enrol in The PhD school of Science at University of Copenhagen and comply with its doctoral training requirements Participate actively in the MICROSUNSET training (12 ECTS), dissemination, communication and exploitation activities. Conduct high-quality research under supervision of a diverse scientific team,  Publish and present research results in international conference proceedings and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Prepare and defend a doctoral thesis in the field of micronutrients and sustainable food products. Support student supervision and contribute to teaching at BSc and MSc levels. About the PhD position at U-CPH (DC11) The open PhD-position is placed at University of Copenhagen inthe Sustainability and Health research Group Inthe Nutrition and Health section. Micronutrient intake and status in healthy young adults fed either a plant-based or a meat-based diet One of the focus areas of the group is investigation of the micronutrient intake and status in healthy adults and bioavailability of micronutrients from foods. The group has a dynamic staff with high international visibility, many research collaborations with leading international universities and organisations and a successful track record of national and international research projects. Research on iron and zinc from plant-based diets The primary objective of the PhD project is I) to investigatethe impact of substituting animal-based meat for plant-based analogues on iron and zinc digestibility, intake and status? II) to predict changes in iron and zinc intake and status with a dietary transition from the habitual Danish Diet to a more plant rich Danish diet. iii) Consumer intakes, and acceptability of plant-based alternatives to meat as well as drivers and barriers to consuming more sustainable alternatives to meat products. Are there cultural and social differences in attitudes towards these products across Europe? More specifically you will be involved in assessing the dietary intake of iron and zinc in human volunteers eating either a habitual Danish diet or an optimized meat- or plant-based diet. Furthermore, you will be responsible for developing a survey and collection of survey data from the countries involved in the project. Throughout the project, you will collaborate with otherDoctoral Candidates (DCs) in the MICROSUNSET consortium to contribute to generation of evidence-based knowledge about micronutrient intake, digestibility and bioavailability from plant-based diets. Part of the PhD-study will take place as external staysAt Aarhus University and At the Danish Agricultural and Food council, Copenhagen Project description The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie International PhD training network. This doctoral position is based at Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The Doctoral Candidate will be supervised by Professor Susanne Bügel. The group works with sustainable diets and health, and the focus areas are optimal nutrient intake and bioavailability from diets in healthy adults. Main supervisor Professor Susanne Bügel Email: shb@nexs.ku.dk direct phone: +45 35332490 About the department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS) engages in research, education, innovation and knowledge dissemination within the areas of nutrition, human physiology and sports at the highest international level, covering disciplines related to the health sciences, humanities and social sciences. Read more about the Department: About the department – University of Copenhagen Required qualifications As an applicant you must have: a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in Nutrition or a similar degree at equivalent academic level. Furthermore, the ideal candidate has: Knowledge about Human Nutrition Good communication skills in English, both written and oral Experience with international collaboration and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. A structured and analytical approach to work and problem-solving Experience with research dissemination – publications or conference presentation is an advantage, as well as professional qualifications relevant for the PhD-project will be taken into consideration. Applicants will also be required to meetthe European Commission’s MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria, notably: Mobility Rule – Applicants can be of any nationality and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark formore than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the start of their employment at UCPH. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered. Doctoral Candidate requirement – the applicant must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the first day of theemployment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet been awarded the doctoral degree are not eligible. Please note that you will only be considered for the position if you fulfil both above eligibility criteria. Key criteria for

PhD fellowship in Retinal pH regulation

Research area and project description: The retina of birds and fish is a highly metabolically active tissue but lacks internal blood vessels that typically provide removal of waste products of tissue metabolism. This project seeks to identify the mechanisms of cellular acid-base regulation that allows pH homeostasis in a neural tissue that lacks blood perfusion. In this PhD project, the candidate will use the chicken and zebrafish retina to identify the cellular mechanisms for intra-retinal acid/base regulation required to maintain pH homeostasis in an avascular tissue. The PhD student will collaborate closely with other students and postdocs within the group as well as national and international partners, where extended periods abroad are expected. The Ph.D. student will gain experience in cutting-edge techniques for measuring pH regulation on cellular and whole animal levels of biological organization. The student will gain experience with cell biology, whole animals physiology, fluorescence microscopy and in vivo light sheet microscopy. The project will be carried out in the retina lab of Christian Damsgaard at the Section for Zoophysiology, which offers a dynamic and ambitious research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Applicants to the PhD position must have a recent Master’s degree within Biology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, or similar. The successful candidate has a solid background in biochemistry and physiology and strong analytical and numerical skills. Prior experience with live animal experimentation, fluorescence imaging, or cell biology is an advantage. The successful candidate is expected to bring or develop the necessary soft skills for working in teams, as well as for managing and communicating your research progress. The same holds for the necessary hard skills in data analysis and scientific writing. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Section for Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, C. F. Møller Alle 3, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Christian Damsgaard, cd@bio.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Biology”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Retinal pH regulation (RepHre)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

PhD fellowship in Metabolic engineering with switchable RNA scaffolds

Research area and project description: In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function. In the recently funded RIBOTICS (RNA Origami Technology in Cell Systems) project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop RNA scaffolds for metabolic enzymes that can be switched on or off inside living cells to regulate enzymatic pathways. To obtain this goal the PhD candidate will: Develop RNA origami structures with ligand-induced interactions through in vitro selection methods. Use RNA origami structures to engineer a “lattice robot” capable of forming 1D fibers, 2D sheets, and 3D lattices in response to specific ligands. Characterize the formation and function of these lattices in vitro and in vivo using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)and fluorescence microscopy. Apply these lattices to control enzyme clustering in metabolic pathways, enhancing biochemical flux and pathway regulation. The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center. References: [1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920 [2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250 For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Required qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics or Bioengineering. Applicants should have a strong interest in structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods. Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently. Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken Desirable skills: Hands-on experience with relevant methods for biomolecular design, synthesis and analysis, in vitro selection, or in vivo expression. Knowledge of or practical experience with relevant biophysical techniques such as Cryo-CLEM, Cryo-EM or Cryo-ET. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  , Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/(Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Metabolic engineering with switchable RNA scaffolds (MesRNA)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

PhD fellowship in Ecology and Physiology of Asgard Archaea

Research area and project description: We invite applications for a fully funded, 3-year PhD position in Microbiology at the Department of Biology at Aarhus University (AU), Denmark. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Biology program at the Graduate School of Natural Sciences (GSNS) at AU and will be part of the European Research Council (ERC) project AsgOx, headed by Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira. The overall aim of the AsgOx project is to understand how the ecology of Asgard archaea, the closest prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes, may have affected the evolutionary process that led to the emergence of complex life. AsgOx pursues an interdisciplinary approach involving omics, biochemistry and cell biology, in which the PhD project will focus on investigating ecological and physiological features of Asgard archaea, which may provide crucial insights into the rise of eukaryotes. The doctoral candidate will be involved in activities such as: Fieldwork and sampling of aquatic environments Microbial diversity analyses Genomics Cultivation and cell biology techniques About the place of work: The Section for Microbiology at the Department of Biology is a vibrant, international research environment to study microbial physiology, evolution, ecology, and biogeochemistry. We integrate basic and applied research, addressing the role, ecophysiology and evolution of microorganisms in natural and biotechnological systems. The section has well-equipped laboratories, direct access to key core facilities (like sequencing, imaging, and a research vessel), and a permanent support staff of highly skilled laboratory technicians. The application should include the following documents: A letter explaining your motivation and qualifications to join this project. A CV documenting your MSc degree and other qualifications for the position. Contact details to 1-2 relevant persons who could provide a reference letter. Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact assist. prof. Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira at AU (thiago.rodrigues@bio.au.dk). For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: The PhD candidate must have a master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, evolution, ecology, or a related field. Candidates should have a strong foundation in methods applicable to environmental microbiology, such as molecular biology and analysis techniques, as well as cultivation approaches. Experience in cell biology is an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate strong teamwork skills while also working independently, contribute to scientific publications, and exhibit strong analytical skills. A high level of motivation for research in microbial ecology and evolution, proficiency in written and spoken English, and excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are required. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Section for Microbiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114, building 1540, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Assistant Professor Thiago Rodrigues de Oliveira at AU (thiago.rodrigues@bio.au.dk). How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Biology”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Ecology and Physiology of Asgard Archaea (EcPAsA)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

PhD fellowship in Designing Programmable RNA Circuits for Cellular Control

Research area and project description: In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function. In the recently funded RIBOTICS project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop RNA circuit systems that control the behaviour of RNA nanorobots inside cells using programmable strand displacement reactions. The PhD candidate will: Develop RNA circuits using loop-mediated strand displacement (LSD) – a mechanism where RNA strands exchange partners to transmit signals. Use the capture-SELEX method to discover RNA motifs that can act as receptors for specific molecular inputs. Engineer RNA devices that combine these inputs into simple logic functions (such as AND or OR) to create decision-making circuits. Assemble multi-step RNA circuits that control how RNA robots activate, change shape, or interact in response to cellular cues. Transfer these RNA circuits into living cells to regulate metabolic processes. Explore ways to link RNA circuits with natural cellular signalling pathways to give cells new programmable capabilities. The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center. References: [1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920 [2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250 For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Required qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics or Bioengineering. Applicants should have a strong interest in RNA structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods. Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently. Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken Desirable skills: Hands-on experience with relevant methods for RNA design, synthesis and analysis, in vitro selection, and in vivo expression. Experience with selection or screening techniques such as SELEX, capture-SELEX, or high-throughput assays. Knowledge of strand displacement, molecular logic circuits, or related synthetic biology tools. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  , Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go tohttps://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/(Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Designing Programmable RNA Circuits for Cellular Control (DPRNAC)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

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