Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager in Translational Cancer Therapeutics

A full-time Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager position is available as soon as possible or by agreement in the Solid Tumor Resistance and Translational Therapeutics group (PI: Ferran Fece de la Cruz) at the Finsen Laboratory (Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital). The group investigates mechanisms of drug response and resistance in solid tumors to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities and develop clinically translatable treatment strategies.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong interest in translational cancer research. The role is expected to combine hands-on experimental work with laboratory coordination, approximately 60% wet-lab support and 40% lab management, depending on group needs. This position is ideal for a person who combines strong hands-on experience in molecular biology with excellent organizational skills and enjoys keeping a research laboratory running smoothly. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting research projects, coordinating daily lab operations, and contributing intellectually to an active research environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate day-to-day lab operations, documentation, shared protocols, and general laboratory organization.
• Support research projects led by lab members, including maintenance of mouse and human cancer cell lines, standard molecular biology techniques such as Western blotting, PCR, cloning, and CRISPR-based workflows, and interpretation of experimental results.
• Assist with patient sample logistics in collaboration with clinical partners at Rigshospitalet.
• Maintain lab safety documentation, SOPs, equipment records, and onboarding materials for new lab members. 
• Help establish, troubleshoot, and optimize new experimental techniques in the laboratory.
• Support administrative tasks for the group leader, including purchasing, invoice processing, and financial documentation. 
• Actively contribute to research discussions, including lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions. 

Candidate qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as translational medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. 
• Relevant laboratory experience (2-4 years) in a molecular biology setting, preferably in academia.
• Experience with laboratory organization and management tasks, such as ordering, invoicing, inventory management, documentation, safety procedures, or coordination of shared resources.
• Fluency in both Danish and English is required, as the role involves coordination with Danish administrative systems, hospital collaborators, and laboratory safety procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to solving problems and promoting a good working environment.
• The applicant is expected to be highly engaged, structured, flexible, curious, and able to work independently, as well as with a team.

Additional desirable qualifications

• Experience with mouse work, or willingness to work with mouse models after appropriate training.
• Experience with human blood sample processing, circulating tumor DNA workflows, and/or ddPCR.
• Hands-on training or experience working with lentiviruses.

What we offer:

We offer an opportunity to take a central role in a growing translational cancer research group at the Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital. The successful candidate will contribute directly to research aimed at understanding and overcoming therapeutic resistance in solid tumors. The position offers:

• A varied role combining hands-on science, laboratory organization, and project support.
• A friendly, international, and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunities for training, professional development, and co-authorship where appropriate.
• Access to high-quality research infrastructure at the Finsen Laboratory, BRIC and within the broader Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen research environment.
• A central role in keeping an ambitious research lab organized, compliant, and productive.

Employment conditions:

• Full-time position, 37 hours per week.
• The position is offered as a 2-year fixed-term appointment, with the possibility of building a long-term role in the group. Extension will depend on performance, continued funding, and the evolving needs of the laboratory.
• Salary according to qualifications and experience following ‘Regionernes Løn- og Takstnævn’ pay scales.
• The place of work is the Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital.
• Expected start date: as soon as possible or by agreement.
• Application deadline: July 31st, 2026.

Selected publications

• Acquired On-Target Alterations Drive Clinical Resistance to p53-Y220C Reactivators (Cancer Discovery, 2026).
• Genomic landscape of clinically acquired resistance alterations in patients treated with KRASG12C inhibitors (Annals of Oncology, 2025).
• Allosteric PI3Kα Inhibition Overcomes On-target Resistance to Orthosteric Inhibitors Mediated by Secondary PIK3CA Mutations (Cancer Discovery, 2024).

Research assistants are integral members of our research team. They contribute essential technical expertise, organizational structure, and scientific insight that help drive biomedical research forward. We encourage applications from candidates who are excited to help build a collaborative, rigorous, and translationally focused laboratory environment. Applications should include:

• Cover letter describing the candidate’s motivation and relevant experience.
• CV, max. 4 pages (including publication list, if applicable).
• Names of two references familiar with the candidate’s work.

For further information, please contact Head of Laboratory Bo Porse on mail: Bo.Torben.Porse@regionh.dk

Information on Terms of employment for the Capital Region, see here

Terms of Employment

Employment will follow the collective agreement for academic staff in Denmark. The position is based at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

Application deadline: July 31st, 2026.

• Fakta

• Arbejdssted
  Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej
• Kontaktperson
  Bo Torben Porse
  bo.torben.porse@regionh.dk
• Adresse
  Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø
• Stillingstype
  Biokemiker
• Ansættelsesform
  Tidsbegrænset periode
• Ugentlig arbejdstid
  Fuld tid
• Ansættelsens start
  Snarest muligt
• Regionens jobnr.
  269394
• Quick-nr.
  493524
• Indrykningsdato
  25-06-2026
• Ansøgningsfrist
  31-07-2026