Postdoc Fellow in Genetics and Physiology

Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering a Postdoc position in Biology commencing 01.02.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The Andersen-Colombani group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting a Postdocs to work on a 2-year project aiming at understanding the physiological role of TNFR signaling in controlling metabolism and behavior using Drosophila Melanogaster as a model organism. The position is available to start on the 1st of February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The group is housed in the section of Cell and Neurobiology at the Department of Biology (https://www.biocenter.ku.dk/).

Project Description

The pathological functions of tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) have received considerable attention in the last two decades due to its implication in driving metabolic diseases associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as cancers and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the undisputable role of TNF in promoting T2D, anti-TNF clinical trials on humans with obesity-related T2D have produced conflicting results, suggesting that anti-TNF therapy might have adverse effects targeting homeostasis-promoting TNF functions. Nevertheless, the physiological/beneficial functions of TNF remain largely unexplored. Due to the genetic amenability of Drosophila and a simplified fly TNF-TNF receptor (TNFR) system, flies provide an excellent model for studying the physiological functions of TNF. The advertised project explores the role of TNF/TNFRs in maintaining systemic energy homeostasis and controlling feeding behavior and the complex role that TNF signaling plays in adapting metabolism and behavior to environmental stressors.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a PhD degree in Biology and with prior experience in fly physiology, confocal imaging, and genetics.

Principal supervisors:

Dr. Ditte Andersen, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, [email protected], Direct Phone: +45 27 85 30 22

Dr. Julien Colombani, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, [email protected], Direct Phone: +45 27 84 76 66.

Qualifications/Selection criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Biology
• Having prior experience with the Drosophila model and Genetics is essential
• Having a solid background in metabolism and behavior is an advantage
• Strong motivation and very good scientific skills are essential
• Good communication skills, oral and written

The postdoc’s duties will include research within genetics, physiology and behavior as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.



The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 25 October 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.