Postdoctoral Positions to Study Chromatin Dynamics and Genome Stability in Cancer

The laboratory of Associate Professor Kumar Somyajit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for two highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers to study the molecular mechanisms linking DNA replication, chromatin dynamics, and genome stability in cancer.

Scientific Background
DNA replication is essential for cellular proliferation and the faithful transmission of genetic information to daughter cells. However, replication forks are constantly challenged by a wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, including metabolic fluctuations, transcription–replication conflicts, and chromatin-based barriers. These challenges give rise to replication stress, a hallmark of virtually all cancer types and many developmental disorders. Despite its importance, our understanding of how DNA replication is coordinated with chromatin state and endogenous cellular stress to preserve genome integrity remains limited.

The Somyajit laboratory has a strong interest in uncovering the regulatory foundations of the cell cycle, DNA replication, chromatin regulation, and genome surveillance in human pathophysiology. The lab integrates CRISPR-based genome engineering, quantitative and live-cell microscopy, biochemistry, and computational analysis to dissect how cells sense and respond to replication-associated threats. Recent work from the lab has identified previously unrecognized cell-intrinsic mechanisms that regulate replisome dynamics and fork speed, establishing replisome velocity control as a key genome surveillance strategy (PMIDs: 29123070, 33621493, 33087936, 30566856, 39947938; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.03.15.641049).

Postdoctoral Projects
Project 1: Replisome Dynamics, Replication Stress, and Cancer Vulnerabilities

This project aims to explore the dynamic nature of the human replisome, with a focus on replisome protein architecture, replisome speed control, and replication stress responses in cancer cells. By combining CRISPR-based endogenous protein tagging, advanced quantitative imaging, and biochemical approaches, this project seeks to uncover novel principles of replisome plasticity. A key long-term objective is to identify cancer-specific replication vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for therapeutic targeting and novel drug discovery.

Project 2: Oncohistones, Chromatin Rewiring, and Genome Stability in Pediatric Cancer
This project will investigate how epigenomic alterations driven by oncohistones and oncohistone-mimicking mechanisms reshape chromatin structure, replication dynamics, and genome surveillance pathways. The project is particularly relevant to aggressive pediatric hindbrain cancers, which display profound epigenetic dysregulation yet paradoxically maintain relatively stable genomes. By linking chromatin misregulation to replication dynamics, this project aims to uncover mechanisms that enable malignant cells to proliferate while preserving chromosomal integrity.

Candidate Profile
We seek candidates with a strong background and proven track record in genome integrity, DNA replication, chromatin biology, or cancer research. Required expertise includes:

• CRISPR-based endogenous genome editing and protein tagging
• Biochemistry
• Optical and quantitative microscopy
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills

Experience with live-cell imaging, image analysis, and interdisciplinary research will be considered an advantage.

Position Details

• Number of positions: 2
• Starting date: 15 March 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
• Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of extension

You will interact and collaborate closely with researchers in the Somyajit laboratory and with members of other groups within the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, fostering a dynamic, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment. The department have state-of-the-art facilities for bioimaging, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with the Odense University Hospital (OUH).

Postdoc qualifications/requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidate with:

• A PhD degree in Life Science, preferable Cell Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Biology
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in fundamental Cell cycle, DNA replication and Genome integrity
• At least one first-author publication or pre-print in a relevant jo