Postdoc in imaging of synaptic function at Department of Neuroscience

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher for a 2-year position to start at December 1st 2024, or after agreement.

The project includes the study of cellular models of neurodevelopmental delay and epilepsy using live cell imaging of neuronal activity. The purpose is to detect consequences of disease mutation on the circuit level using imaging methods, which will be amenable to drug discovery.

Information on our research group can be found: https://in.ku.dk/research/sorensen-lab/

Our research

Our research group is interested in the mechanism of neurotransmitter release in chemical synapses, and the molecular basis for neurodevelopmental diseases and epilepsy (see Verhage and Sørensen, 2020, Neuron 107:22-37). We study these properties using an interdisciplinary approach, which includes human induced pluripotent stem cell (hIPSC)-derived neurons or mouse neurons, combined with microscopy, electrophysiology, and more lately omics methods. Our group is international and based on teamwork and interdisciplinarity. We collaborate with clinicians and patient groups. Our group is inclusive and fosters a collaborative and supportive spirit.

Your job

We have developed several different murine and human models of neurodevelopmental disease, based on mutation in the neurotransmitter release machinery (e.g. Kádková et al., 2024, Elife 13:RP886197). We now want to investigate how these mutations give rise to aberrant circuit activity underlying epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delays. Your task will be to use live cell microscopy of in vitro neuronal populations with fluorescent reporters, perform image analysis, and identify imaging parameters that are changed by mutation.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with a high potential for original research.

Essential experience and skills:

• PhD or equivalent degree in natural or medical science.
• You have an excellent scientific track record.
• You have solid experience with cell culture methods.
• You have experience in fluorescence microscopy.
• You are enthusiastic, highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience with human stem cell work and/or live cell microscopy.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories within the Mærsk Tower.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of two (2) years. Starting date is December 1st 2024, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,500 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2024 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

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

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

Questions
For further information please contact Prof. Jakob B. Sørensen; [email protected]; phone: +45 5168 0499.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

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

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate (if applicable) and c) transcript of records, including name of courses followed and marks obtained. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor confirming that you will submit the PhD thesis before start of the position should be included.
4. List of publications.
5. Letters of recommendation and the names of at least two references

Deadline for applications: 20 September 2024, 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

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

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.