Postdoc in Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Metabolic Regulation

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is seeking an experienced Postdoc fellow to commence on May 1, 2025, or after agreement, for the Pers 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 (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharma­cology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.

CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at the Panum building since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our Research
The Pers Group investigates the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating metabolic fuel homeostasis, with a particular focus on the brain’s role in metabolic regulation. We integrate human genetics, single-cell multiomics, and advanced model systems to identify and functionally characterize genetic variants associated with metabolic diseases. Our research combines in vivo approaches using transgenic rodent models to map mechanisms underlying energy balance and glucose homeostasis with iPSC-based systems, including Perturb-seq, to dissect cellular pathways driving disease. We collaborate closely with leading international research groups in molecular obesity and genetics consortia and are part of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT (Cambridge, USA). Our highly interdisciplinary environment provides access to cutting-edge technologies and fosters the development of early-career researchers.

Job Description
The Pers Group is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to investigate the mechanisms by which human genetic variants associated with obesity influence hypothalamic circuits. This project aims to uncover molecular pathways regulating metabolic homeostasis using a CRISPR-based Perturb-seq system in transgenic animal models, where Cas9 is specifically expressed in reporter animals, enabling targeted gene perturbations in defined hypothalamic and hindbrain cell populations. This Perturb-seq system is currently being established in vivo, providing a strong foundation for immediate experimental work.

This setup allows for single-cell resolution screening of gene expression networks, identifying molecular pathways through which obesity-associated genetic variants impact neuronal function and metabolic regulation. In addition to coupling perturbations to cellular phenotypes, the successfull applicant will integrate these approaches with circuit-level readouts, including neuronal activity measurements, and behavioral phenotyping through advanced rodent metabolic phenotyping techniques, both of which are implemented in core facilities at our center.

The candidate will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work within a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that integrates genetics, single-cell multiomics, and functional validation strategies. Our Center provides extensive opportunities for training and skill development in cutting-edge techniques, such as CRISPR-based Perturb-seq, fiber photometry, and advanced rodent metabolic phenotyping. Our group closely collaborates with Dr. Martin G. Myers (University of Michigan, USA) and Dr. Michael W. Schwartz (Washington University, USA), bringing together expertise in neuroendocrinology, metabolic regulation, and functional genomics to advance our understanding of obesity-associated mechanisms. Additionally, we work closely with researchers at the Broad Institute (Cambridge, USA) on the variant-to-function aspects of the project, leveraging cutting-edge genomic tools to functionally characterize obesity-associated genetic variants. The project will also involve interactions with leading international research groups specializing in molecular obesity and metabolic disease.

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

Desirable qualifications:

• PhD in molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong scientific track record (i.e., publications, training) relative to career stage.
• Experience with rodent models and in vivo metabolic phenotyping techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, preferably with experience in computational analysis of sequencing datasets.
• Experience with neuroscience techniques, such as fiber photometry or stereotactic injections, is advantageous but not required.
• Experience with viral vectors and genetic perturbation techniques is a plus.
• Familiarity with single-cell or multiomic techniques is preferred.
• A FELASA or equivalent certification for animal experimentation is desirable.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.

Terms of Employment
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 3 years. Starting date is May 1, 2025, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation 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 Tune H Pers 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: 6 March, 23.59pm CET

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.