Postdoc in retinal pathophysiology

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of vision science/retinal biology and retinal pathophysiology as per 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 2 years.

The department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here.

About the research project

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore the role of sortilin in the development of pathological blood vessel growth related to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This project aims to uncover how the receptor might influence both the immune and angiogenic pathways in the retina, ultimately helping to identify new therapeutic targets beyond current treatments. The successful candidate will use molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment at the forefront of vision research in Denmark. The position is in biomedical research at the intersection of vision science, immunology, and vascular biology, with a focus on understanding and treating pathological processes in the retina.

About the research group

As Postdoc in retinal pathophysiology you will join the research group led by Professor Thomas Corydon. Our research goal is to gain insight into fundamental molecular mechanisms in the human eye and at the same time improve treatment of vision-threatening diseases.

What we offer

• A well-developed research infrastructure with modern laboratories and shared equipment
• An exciting interdisciplinary environment
• A research climate that fosters lively, open, and critical discussions across diverse fields
• A work setting that promotes close collaboration, networking opportunities, and social activities
• A workplace defined by professionalism and equality

Your job responsibilities

Your position is primarily research-based but will also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.

Your main tasks will consist of:

• Independent research of high international quality
• Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry to examine immune cell recruitment in the retina of normal vs knockout mice
• Single-cell RNA-seq and protein analyses to examine changes in the transcriptome and secretome of immune and RPE cells in normal vs knockout mice
• Phenotypic and functional characterization of receptor-knockout cells in vitro and in vivo.
• Analysis, interpretation, and presentation of research data including publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Participation and presentation at national and international conferences.
• (Co-)supervision of master and PhD students
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team

You will report to the Professor Thomas Corydon.

Your competences

You have academic qualifications at PhD level within the following areas: molecular biology (i.e. purification of RNA, RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE, WB, protein array kits), immunofluorescence, imaging methods (incl. fluorescence microscopy), and cell culturing (incl. transfection). Advanced skills in at least one of the following is required: Flow cytometry, transcriptomics or animal research. Previous experience in the field of retinal pathophysiology, immunology or sortilin receptor biology will be an advantage. Familiarity with handling and analyzing large datasets (such as single-cell RNA-seq) and strong communication and organizational skills would also be valuable. As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We also expect you to be ambitious and take ownership. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria.

Shortlisting will be used.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Anne Louise Askou tel.: (+45) 26735970.

Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews ultimo February.



Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 484.214,84 and DKK 538.720,20 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (17.1 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff

Application

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant - postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.


International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.


Aarhus University

Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/