Research Assistant

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Faculty of Science, University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Location: Odense, Denmark

Position Description

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a Research Assistant (Staff Scientist) position in the research group of Professor Paolo Ceppi.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research activities focused on understanding the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, with a particular emphasis on bioinformatics and computational approaches in oncology.

The position aims to strengthen and further develop bioinformatics research within the group, facilitating the integration of computational analyses with experimental cancer biology and supporting the development of new research directions.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in cancer biology, with particular attention to metabolic regulation and molecular mechanisms of tumor progression.
• Develop and apply bioinformatics and computational approaches for the analysis of complex biological datasets, including transcriptomic and other omics data.
• Support the integration of bioinformatics analyses with experimental research activities within the laboratory.
• Contribute to identifying molecular pathways and regulatory networks involved in cancer progression and cellular plasticity.
• Participate in the preparation of scientific publications, research proposals, and future grant applications.
• Contribute to teaching activities at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, including the BMB835 course.
• Collaborate with researchers within the department and contribute to the scientific development of the research group.

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cancer biology, or a related field.
• Documented postdoctoral research experience in molecular oncology or cancer-related research.
• Strong expertise in bioinformatics and computational analysis of biological datasets.
• Experience with transcriptomic data analysis and the interpretation of molecular pathways and regulatory networks.
• Knowledge of cancer metabolism and molecular mechanisms involved in cancer progression.
• A demonstrated ability to conduct research independently and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• A strong scientific publication record.
• Good communication skills and an interest in contributing to teaching activities.

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Professor Paolo Ceppi at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark.

The group investigates molecular mechanisms regulating cancer progression, with particular interests in cancer metabolism, cellular plasticity, and molecular regulatory networks. The position will play an important role in strengthening the computational and bioinformatics capabilities of the laboratory and supporting the development of innovative research projects and future funding applications.

Employment Details

• Position: Research Assistant (Staff Scientist)
• Workplace: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense
• Starting date: 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter
• Duration: 1 year
• Application deadline: 27 October 2026

Further Information

For further information about the position, please contact:

Professor Paolo Ceppi, PhD
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Southern Denmark
Email: pceppi@bmb.sdu.dk

Application, salary etc. 

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and  taxation.   

The application must include the following: 

• A curriculum vitae including information on previous employment with start and end dates  
• A full list of publications stating the scientific publications on which the applicant wishes to rely 

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. 

Shortlisting may be used as part of the assessment process, and an interview may be included in the overall evaluation of the applicant’s qualifications. 

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply. 

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

About SDU  The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.