Postdoc in RNA Biomarkers and Extracellular Vesicle Biology

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications as post-doctoral fellow in RNA cell biology from April 1st or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Description of the post-doc project
A fully funded postdoc position (18 months) at Roskilde University in the research group of Professor Dalgaard, funded by Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond (Independent Research Fund Denmark) through the project "Enabling RNA Biomarker Origin Detection by Multiplexing Extracellular Tracing". The project will develop a multiplexed extracellular RNA (exRNA)-tracing platform capable of identifying the cell-of-origin of secreted RNAs in plasma and cell media samples and will demonstrate its use by tracing RNA released by pancreatic islet cells and adipose tissue, both highly relevant to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. The platform will be valuable for validating novel RNA biomarkers and for discovering RNA-based therapeutic targets in metabolic disease.

Responsibilities and tasks
The postdoc’s work will include research within ExRNA biology, RNA biomarker discovery, and multi-omics profiling, with focus on tracing the cellular origin of secreted RNAs relevant to type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. In addition, some amount of teaching is also required. 

The ideal candidate is expected to:

• Lead the development and validation of a multiplexed exRNA-tracing platform, based on integration of bio-orthogonal proximity labeling and metabolic RNA labeling systems.
• Perform in vitro and in vivo tracing experiments in pancreatic islet cells, adipose cells, and other relevant cell models to determine the cellular origin of secreted extracellular RNAs and extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• Apply proteomics and small RNA sequencing/omics approaches to characterize the RNA and protein cargo of pancreatic islet- and adipose-derived extracellular vesicles and biofluid samples.
• Analyze and validate candidate RNA biomarkers relevant to T2D and metabolic disease, using plasma and other biofluid samples from relevant cohorts or models.
• Mentor younger or graduate students within the focus of the research project.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

The ideal candidate has an outstanding track record of accomplishments and a critical mindset. Moreover, an open mentality with focus on research communication, inter-disciplinary curiosity and teamwork will be required to succeed. Moreover, the following qualifications are relevant:

• Certified training in laboratory animal research is required.
• Advanced experimental experience in RNA biology and/or extracellular vesicle (EV) biology is required
• Hands-on experience with proteomics and/or small RNA sequencing or other omics-based biomarker profiling techniques is required.
• Experience with research in metabolic disease, in particular type 2 diabetes or obesity, and/or experience working with pancreatic islets or other metabolically relevant primary cells/tissues, will be highly valuable.
• Experience with publication of original relevant scientific data in peer-reviewed journals will be an advantage.

The ideal candidate should be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department and with project collaborators.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates, consideration will be given to;

• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Academic excellence and scientific production relevant to the description above.
• The ability to promote and utilize research results.
• Experience in mentorship and teaching.
• Ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
• Ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperations.

The Department of Science and Environment
Department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within medical biology, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and mathematics. Bachelor programs are offered within these areas, as are interdisciplinary Master programs. The Department’s laboratories are equipped with modern infrastructure and shared state-of-the art instrumentation. This includes recently acquired NMR, mass spectrometry (LC- and GC-MS, including high-resolution measurements and proteomics), and microscopy (AFM, confocal and fluorescence) instruments, GMO class 1 and 2 labs, flow cytometry, NTA, coulter counter, NGS, Q-PCR facilities, pipetting robots, calorimetry (ITC and DSC), chromatography (HPLC), and scattering (DLS, SAXS) instruments.
The post-doctoral position is within the Section of Molecular and Medical Biology: Molecular and Medical Biology | Roskilde University (ruc.dk)
Read more about the Department of Science and Environment at: https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Professor Louise Dalgaard (tel. (+45) 4674 2713) or email: ltd@ruc.dk).

Terms of employment
The position is available from 1/5 2027. The employment is full time, and you will refer to Head of Department Susanne Sørensen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.  

According to the Pay Transparency Directive, the salary ranges for the various job categories at Roskilde University are listed here. 

Application procedure 
After the deadline for applications the Head of Department will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee.

Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application 
To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/ 

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

• Cover letter explaining qualifications, experience and research interests
• CV
• Documentation of education incl. documentation for training in laboratory animal research
• A complete list of publications
• A maximum of 3 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment
• If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here).
• Teaching portfolio (read more about teaching portfolio at Roskilde University here) 

If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement (find template here) 

Please submit your application no later than 13th of November 2026. 

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.
Roskilde University wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

The hiring process at Roskilde University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.