Postdoc in adipose mitochondrial biology

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen



The University of Copenhagen is seeking an experienced Postdoc fellow to commence on December 1, 2024, or after agreement, for the Gerhart-Hines Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.

About Us
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research’s vision is to pioneer groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. We wish to lead collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, transforming the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health, and accelerating its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. We were established in 2010, and in 2017, we moved into new laboratories, offices, and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower www.maersktower.ku.dk.

The Center has around 260 employees who work in an international, highly collaborative research environment across a range of biomedical disciplines. You can read more about us here: www.cbmr.ku.dk.

Our Research
The Gerhart-Hines Group delves into the core molecular signalling pathways that regulate energy balance and seeks to understand the regulation and functionality of emerging therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic diseases. We adopt a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, and work closely with renowned experts globally. We are committed to fostering the development of early-career researchers, providing them with a supportive and collaborative environment.

Job Description
This research project focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate metabolite transport into and out of mitochondria in relation to the thermogenic function of adipocytes. Given the importance of mitochondria in energy metabolism and thermogenesis, understanding how specific metabolites are transported across the mitochondrial membrane is critical for identifying new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

The candidate will engage in a multifaceted approach, including in vitro and ex vivo assessment of mitochondrial structure and function, as well as interrogating various aspects of adipocyte biology and metabolic flux. In vivo metabolic phenotyping will also play a significant role in the project, providing insights into how these molecular mechanisms impact overall metabolic health.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Required qualifications:

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, cell biology, nutrition, or related sciences
• Excellent scientific track record (i.e., publications, training) in relation to career stage
• Profound knowledge on biochemistry and cellular signaling in relation to energy metabolism
• Profound experimental skills in interrogating mitochondrial and adipocyte functions
• Specific expertise in using the Seahorse Bioscience analyzer and Oroboros Oxygraph are required.
• Basic knowledge on metabolic diseases, including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• A FELASA or equivalent certification for animal experimentation is desirable.
• A curious and innovative mindset with strong self-motivation to develop new knowledge and treatment for complex cardiometabolic diseases
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral

Terms of Employment
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 16 months. Starting date is December 1, 2024, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the past 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Zach Gerhart-Hines at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at [email protected].

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.

Application Procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply now’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate.
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application Deadline: 8 September, 23.59pm CEST

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The Further Process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

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

The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.