Postdoctoral position in Leptin Gene Regulation and Adipocyte Biology

The Mandrup group invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Postdoctoral position in our group based at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark. The position is offered for a duration of up to three years and will be available from January 1, 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

Project and Research Environment
The Postdoctoral Fellow will work on a project focusing on the molecular mechanisms regulating human leptin (LEP) gene expression in adipocytes. The aim is to identify the cis-regulatory elements, transcription factors, and signaling pathways controlling LEP expression during adipocyte differentiation and in mature adipocytes, and to understand how chromatin architecture and physiological signals are integrated to regulate leptin production. To address these questions, the project combines complementary, state-of-the-art approaches, including:

• Chromatin conformation analyses (e.g., Region-Capture Micro-C, Capture-C, and related approaches)

• Epigenomic profiling (e.g., ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, and DynaTag)

• Genome editing and perturbation approaches (e.g., CRISPRi, CRISPR/Cas9, and siRNA-mediated knockdown)

• Transcriptomic and multi-omics analyses

• Computational modelling of gene regulatory networks and integration with clinical and physiological data

The project is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment that combines molecular biology, functional genomics, computational biology, and translational studies in primary human adipocytes.

Job Description
The Postdoctoral fellow will drive experimental activities and contribute to the scientific development of the project. The position requires both independent work and close collaboration within the research group.
Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and conducting experiments investigating the regulation of human leptin (LEP) gene expression

• Generating and analyzing transcriptomic, epigenomic, and chromatin conformation datasets

• Integrating multi-omics, physiological, and clinical data to identify regulatory networks governing leptin expression

• Implementing and optimizing advanced molecular, genomic, and computational methods in adipocyte model systems and primary human adipocytes

In addition, the candidate will:

• Contribute to supervision and mentoring of students

• Participate in preparation of scientific publications and dissemination of results

• Actively contribute to a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive research environment

Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong postdoctoral research profile and expertise in functional genomics and the molecular regulation of gene expression.
Required qualifications:

• A PhD in molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, or a related field

• Strong background and experimental skills in molecular biology, functional genomics, and transcriptional regulation

• Ability to independently drive research projects

• Strong collaborative and communication skills

• Proficiency in spoken and written English

In addition, the following qualifications are relevant but not required: 

• Hands-on experience with adipocyte biology, metabolic research, or cellular differentiation systems

• Experience with chromatin conformation methods (e.g., Capture-C, Micro-C, Hi-C, or related approaches)

• Experience with epigenomic and transcriptomic techniques (e.g., ATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, or related sequencing-based assays)

• Experience with analysis and integration of multi-omics datasets

• Experience with computational biology, bioinformatics pipelines, and R for data analysis and visualization

• Hands-on experience with genome editing and gene perturbation technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPRi, or RNA interference)

We offer

• A position in a focused, externally funded research project at the forefront of chromatin biology research

• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure within genomics, imaging, and molecular biology

• An international, highly collaborative, and dynamic research environment

• Strong support for scientific development and career progression

• Competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits

The Mandrup Group
The Mandrup Group has a long-standing interest in the detailed molecular mechanisms governing transcriptional control of adipocyte differentiation. We apply a variety of sequencing-based, computational, and molecular technologies, combined with loss- and gain-of-function strategies to study the mechanisms and role of the 3D chromatin architecture, the crosstalk between enhancers in enhancer communities and the role of specific transcription factors.
You will work closely together with other postdoctoral fellows and PhD students in the group, and you will also be expected to collaborate with colleagues in the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) and Center of Adipocyte Signaling (ADIPOSIGN), both directed by Susanne Mandrup. Furthermore, you will be able to benefit from the many international collaborations of our group.

The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit 
The Mandrup Group is located in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU. The research unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on how specific cell types regulate gene expression and how this affects the development and function of cells and tissues. Thus, our research aims to better understand how genes regulate human physiology and diseases such as obesity, fatty liver disease, cancer, and diabetes. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next-generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging, cell culture, and dietary intervention and transgenic mouse models. The unit maintains strategic research alliances with Odense University Hospital (OUH). This provides a highly stimulating research environment with numerous opportunities for learning and developing new ideas.

Application deadline: 1. December 2026 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk