Two Academic Research Staff

Section for Biomedicine

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, is seeking to appoint two research assistants as Academic Research Staff with effect from 1 July 2026.

About us

The projects are based in Comparative Pediatrics (COPE), Section of Biomedicine. COPE is an interdisciplinary research group comprising more than 20 scientists from diverse academic backgrounds, including medical doctors, veterinarians, and cellular and molecular biologists, representing multiple nationalities. Our research environment is supported by extensive facilities for surgical, clinical-analytical, and biochemical analyses of biological samples. We use advanced software and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling high-quality preclinical and basic research.

Tasks

We are recruiting two motivated Academic Research Assistants to contribute to interdisciplinary projects focused on:

1. Improving nutrient delivery in preterm infants
2. Characterising neuroprotective peptides

The successful candidates will participate in experimental studies investigating the digestive capacity of human milk, the release of bioactive peptides, and the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of synthetic peptides.

The positions offer hands-on experience in biochemical and physicochemical analyses, as well as training in advanced methods such as metagenomics and brain image analysis.

We expect

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with biochemical experiments on protein and lipid digestibility
• Analysing and reporting experimental data
• Supporting metagenomic analyses of collected samples
• Performing image analysis using QuPath
• Preparing and presenting data
• Coordinating the collection and delivery of experimental materials to collaborators
• Assisting with literature reviews and summarising research findings
• Contributing to other relevant research tasks as needed

We expect that you hold a BSc degree (or equivalent); have experience in molecular biochemistry, including RT-qPCR; have experience working in collaborative research projects or demonstrate a strong collaborative mindset

We offer:

We offer a highly international, diverse and interdisciplinary environment in the Section of Biomedicine. We perform research and teaching related to development, nutrition and disease in both farm animals and human infants. Our work extends from basic in vitro studies on cells and tissues (mechanisms and –omics technologies), over animal model studies (mainly in piglets), to intervention and cohort studies in infants at hospitals (growth, gut, brain, immunity, microbiota). The wide range of methodologies requires interdisciplinary collaboration and team work among our group members with different academic backgrounds (from basic biology to veterinary and human medicine) and diversity and a broad international network.

Terms of salary and employment
The employment and salary is made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be part-time as Academic Research Staff for 12 hours per week. The working hours are flexible.

Your application
If you find the job interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen (click on the link "Apply Now" at the bottom of the post) no later than 2 June 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Interviews will take place week 25.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.

Further questions

Any questions about the position may be directed to Stanislava Pankratova, stasya@sund.ku.dk.