Researcher in circadian control of systemic metabolism in physiology and type 2 diabetes

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen



We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Researcher with expertise in rodent physiology and metabolic phenotyping specializing in skeletal muscle function and exercise biology in the Zierath Group. The position is a 4-year position to start April 1, 2025, or after agreement.

Background
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 PANUM since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our group and research
The Zierath Group investigates the interactions between intrinsic biorhythms and external perturbations such as exercise and nutrient provision to identify novel translational strategies for prevention and treatment of metabolic disease.

Project description
The project aims to understand how time-of-day affects the impact of energetic stressors on systemic metabolism, particularly in the setting of type 2 diabetes. This research will involve the development and use of suitable animal models to conduct various in-vivo techniques, such as metabolic assessments and phenotyping, integrated with multi-omics analysis. This approach will provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between time-of-day energetic stressors and insulin sensitivity.

Your job
Your responsibilities will include generating and maintaining mouse models, implementing various exercise modalities such as wheel running, graded exercise tests, in-situ contractions, and ex-vivo force production, as well as conducting a range of in-vivo metabolic assessments, including stable isotope tracing. Additionally, you will be involved in generating and analyzing samples for proteomic, metabolomic, and transcriptomic studies. Collaboration and coordination with researchers within the center and external collaborators will also be essential to drive the project forward effectively.

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

• PhD in Physiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Extensive expertise in rodent physiology, particularly in conducting in vivo and ex vivo metabolic studies with transgenic and knockout mouse models, and strong knowledge of skeletal muscle biology.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and design innovative research projects aligned with the group’s focus areas.
• Proven leadership skills, including teaching and supervising students and researchers at various levels, along with strong project management capabilities.
• Strong publication record, showcasing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively interpret and present results in a physiological context, both in writing and orally, in English.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The employment as Researcher is a full-time and fixed-term position for 4 years. Starting date is April 1, 2025, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the 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 the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Juleen R. Zierath at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected].

International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/ .

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.

4. List of publications



Application deadline: 21 January, 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 wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.