Biomolecular Regulation Group
The research projects of the Biomolecular Regulation group address fundamental regulatory and mechanistic aspects of gene expression. In collaboration with biophysicists at the Niels Bohr Institute, we combine molecular-to-population scale mathematical modeling and experimental testing to obtain an integrated and quantitative understanding of dynamic biological systems.
A common interest among the group members is the role of RNA molecules as regulators and mediators of protein synthesis. Current projects within this area includes the identification of intramolecular determinants of mRNA half-life, determination of codon-specific translation rates, unraveling of the mechanisms underlying translational fidelity during stress, coupling between mRNA pseudoknot strengths and programmed frameshifting, and quantitaive comparisons of the impact of different regulatory mechanisms on the dynamic behaivor of gene regulatory networks.
To address these problems we employ a wide range of experimental techniques from the “toothpicks-and-logic” approach of classical microbial genetics to single molecule techniques, proteomics, and nanotechnology.
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Michael Askvad Sørensen, Associate Professor KU profile page | Personal homepage We want to understand the biochemistry underlying the degradation of RNA as a regulatory component by in vitro assays and we also take a genetics approach by constructing and employing mutant strains to analyze the effects of specific cellular components on the growth physiology of cells. |
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Sine Lo Svenningsen, Associate Professor KU profile page | Personal homepage We are interested in all aspects of gene regulatory network analysis, from dissecting detailed molecular mechanisms of regulation to determining the logic and dynamic behavior of the network as a whole. In the group, we study either synthetic networks, or existing networks that control behaviors where timing and network dynamics are expected to be particularly critical. |
Ph.D. projects
We offer a range of different phd projects, often in collaboration with international academic coworkers or industrial domestic partners. As a phd student you are accepted into the PhdDschool at the Faculty of Science and become part of the PhD program in Protein Science. Please apply directly with the individual principal investigators.
MSc and BSc Student Projects
The group has an extensive collaboration around techniques and subjects. When working in the group you will be confronted with the following techniques either directly in your own project or through the person on the bench next to you. The major techniques used include:
- Genetics
- Bacterial physiologi
- Phage-bacteria interactions
- Population simulations
- Modelling of physiological phenomena
The Biomolecular Regulation Group has a strong focus on education and welcome new students in the lab. We generally have about 8 masters and 8 bachelor students in our laboratories. If you want to hear more about working in the BRG from a student perspective you are welcome to contact one of the students in the staff list.
You can find current proposals for BSc and MSc projects within BRG in our project database.
Courses
The Biomolecular Regulation Group offers teaching in the BSc and MSc and PhD courses on molecular biology, biomolecular regulation and cell-biology related subjects. You can see a list of the courses taught by the members of the Biomolecular Regulation Group in the list of courses taught by the Section for Biomolecular Sciences.
We are always happy to receive applications from potential postdocs, Ph. D., Masters, and Bachelor students, and we welcome applications from both Denmark and abroad. If you are interested in joining the lab or just want to know more about our work, find the relevant scientific staff member and contact us by phone or email – or stop by one of the labs in the Biocenter (see map here).
Postdoc positions
Open positions are advertised broadly in the relevant media.
In addition, chances of obtaining postdoc grants are quite good when applying with Danish and/or international foundations. If you are interested in applying contact the scientific staff member that you would like to work.
PhD projects
The University of Copenhagen offers studentships for students holding a Danish or foreign Masters degree. In addition, possibilities exist to apply for funding from private foundations. Phd students are accepted into the PhD school at the Faculty of Science and become part of the PhD program in Protein Science.
Masters and Bachelor students projects
We always offer both Masters and Bachelor projects within our different areas of research. For more information and a list of current projects see the University of Copenhagen project database here.
For all types of positions, please contact the staff to discuss specific projects.
Contact
Biomolecular Regulation Group
Section for Biomolecular Sciences
Ole Maaløes Vej 5
DK-2200 Copenhagen N
GROUP MEMBERS
Assoc. Prof. Sine Lo Svenningsen
Assoc. Prof. Michael Askvad Sørensen