CRISPR-Based Modeling and Functional Analysis of Genetic Variants in Hereditary Anemias

The Anemia-scope project aims to transform the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary anemias by integrating whole-genome sequencing, automated patch-clamp technology, and CRISPR-based gene editing. This postdoctoral position focuses on Work Package 3 (WP3), which seeks to model disease-associated genetic variants in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and assess their functional impact on red blood cell (RBC) differentiation and pathology. The goal is to elucidate disease mechanisms, validate pathogenicity, and identify novel therapeutic targets for hereditary anemias, including membranopathies, enzymopathies, and hemoglobinopathies.

The Danish Red Blood Cell Center is a Nordic hub for RBC disorders, processing over 7,000 clinical samples annually and providing advanced diagnostics, including whole-genome sequencing and functional assays. Our center is deeply engaged in translational research, bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications.

This project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and builds on the Danish Hereditary Anemia (DAHEAN) collaboration, a nationwide initiative to improve diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for rare anemias.

Key Responsibilities:

• Model genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS) in hereditary anemias using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in human RBC models.
• Differentiate gene-edited stem cells into mature RBCs in vitro and characterize their functional properties (e.g., hemoglobin stability, membrane deformability, oxygen affinity).
• Perform functional assays, including proteomics, flow cytometry, and biophysical analyses, to assess the impact of genetic variants on RBC physiology.
• Collaborate with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and stem cell biologists to translate findings into diagnostic and therapeutic innovations.
• Publish and present research findings in high-impact scientific journals and conferences.

Requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology, hematology, stem cell biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with RBC differentiation protocols.
• Proficiency in RBC assays.

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

Application Procedure:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications.
2. Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining research interests and motivation for applying.
3. Contact information for references.

Deadline for Applications: 01 February 2026

Contact Information: Andreas Glenthøj, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Danish Red Blood Cell Center Email: andreas.glenthoej@regionh.dk Phone: +45 31 21 99 19

Additional Notes:

This position is a collaboration between:

• The Danish Red Blood Cell Center at Rigshospitalet
• The Porse Lab (Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet)

The project offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment. Funding is provided by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej
• Kontaktperson
  Andreas Birkedal Glenthøj
  andreas.glenthoej@regionh.dk
• Adresse
  Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø
• Stillingstype
  Forsker
• Speciale
  Intern medicin: Hæmatologi
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  01-04-2026
• Regionens jobnr.
  266493
• Quick-nr.
  486533
• Indrykningsdato
  18-01-2026
• Ansøgningsfrist
  01-02-2026