The Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA), Aarhus University Hospital/Aarhus University invites applications for a fixed-term full-time position as Research Assistant or Researcher (depending on qualifications) for three years.

The task is to facilitate implementation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) guided clinical decision making in Denmark and Europe. Part of the work involves implementation of a Danish-led pan-European ctDNA External Quality Assurance (EQA) programme, as part of the EU funded implementation project “Joint Action: Personalized Cancer Medicine, JA PCM” (https://japcm.eu/).

The position is available from September 1st, 2026.

As a Research Assistant/Researcher at MOMA, you will be part of what is probably the largest health science research department in Denmark. Our clinical research covers all the medical specialities and is carried out as a close collaboration between Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, as well as the regional hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. We have approx. 30,000 square metres of modern research facilities for experimental surgery and medicine, animal facilities and also advanced scanners at our disposal.

As a Research Assistant/Researcher, you will be working at Aarhus University Hospital and primarily based at the Department of Molecular Medicine (MOMA) in Skejby.

About MOMA
MOMA is a highly specialized, international research environment where we translate advanced genomics into clinical practice. You will join the research group led by Professor Claus Lindbjerg Andersen, a leading team in the field of cancer molecular diagnostics (https://www.moma.dk/research/colorectal-cancer).

Working with us, you will become part of a dynamic and social research group characterized by a strong sense of community and a flat hierarchy. We pride ourselves on having a helpful and engaging environment with many colleagues—including PhD students, postdocs, and bioinformaticians—who collaborate closely across projects. You can read more about our work and the department at moma.dk

Your job responsibilities
Liquid biopsy, specifically the analysis of blood for the presence of ctDNA, is revolutionizing cancer management by offering a minimally invasive, real-time window into tumor dynamics. While traditional biopsies provide only a static snapshot, blood samples can be collected continuously, allowing for continuous ctDNA measurements, prognosis assessment, treatment response monitoring, and early detection of recurrence.

However, access to these advanced diagnostics remains fragmented across Europe. The Joint Action on Personalised Cancer Medicine is a major EU initiative aimed at closing this gap and ensuring that patients across more than 20 countries have equal access to high-quality molecular profiling. A critical barrier to routine clinical adoption is the lack of harmonization in testing protocols. Without standardized procedures and rigorous External Quality Assessment (EQA), results cannot be compared reliably between different hospitals or countries.

As Research Assistant/ Researcher in ctDNA implementation, your primary tasks are to drive this harmonization through the execution of a pan-European ctDNA EQA trial and the development of the supporting digital infrastructure, specifically the daily development, execution and management of the trial, in close collaboration with national and international colleagues.

Your main tasks will consist of

• developing and maintaining the website server (using R Shiny), which serves as the central hub for EQA participants' surveys and results reporting.
• running the upstarting EQA ctDNA trial within the EU project JA PCM.
• managing EQA logistics, including the production and shipment of EQA reference materials.
• harmonization efforts to ensure consistent and reliable ctDNA reporting across diverse laboratory settings.
• teaching and assignment supervision related to the EQA trial
• contributing to publication of the ongoing results from the EQA trial.

You will report to Professor Claus Lindbjerg Andersen.

Your competences
We are looking for a candidate with a relevant academic background within the field. Applicants with both a Master’s degree and a PhD are encouraged to apply.
You are expected to have experience with molecular biology laboratory techniques. On the technical side, you possess strong skills in R development, preferably R Shiny, and are familiar with modern development workflows.

Specifically, we are looking for a candidate who has as many of the following competences

• Familiarity with a Git environment for version control and collaborative development
• Experience with programming in the R language, and R shiny server, and SQL-based data base management
• Knowledge of server maintenance and deployment of web applications.
• Interest in managing data-driven platforms in a research or clinical context.
• Experience with ddPCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), which is highly preferable for the characterization and QC validation of EQA reference materials.
• As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the formal requirements for academic appointments at Aarhus University Hospital.

Salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the relevant collective agreement. Appointment is conditional on a satisfactory child certificate.

Questions about the position
If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Claus Lindbjerg Andersen tel.: (+45) 7845 5319.

Your place of work will be the Department of Molecular Medicine, Brendstrupgaardsvej 21A, 2, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews in the period June 28 - July 3, 2026.

Stillingen er som udgangspunkt en fuldtidsstilling.

Da Region Midtjylland løbende gennemfører besparelser og omorganiseringer, vil medarbejdere i omplacering, der søger stillingen, have fortrinsret.

Department: Molekylær Medicinsk Afdeling

Deadline: 23 June 2026

Location: Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, 8200, Aarhus N