Postdoc in Neuropharmacology at Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2 year position to commence 1/1-2027.

The position concerns pharmacological studies of an important regulator of synaptic plasticity in the mammalian brain.

Information about the research group and work place can be found at the lab (Wellendorph lab) and department (www.drug.ku.dk) websites.

Our research
Our lab is devoted to understanding brain mechanisms involving the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and its metabolite GHB (γ-hydroxybutyric acid) via their actions on their respective targets, including CaM-responsive kinase CaMKIIa. We use biochemical and pharmacological analyses in cells, tissues and whole organisms to elucidate the role of GHB and GABA targets in brain dysfunction. 

The lab spans over many different techniques and backgrounds, making it a highly interdisciplinary work environment. In the group we value social interaction, openness and teamwork, with room for ambition and scientific excitement.

Your job
This specific postdoc project seeks to characterize the neuropharmacology of the target CaMKIIa using in-house generated compounds. This entails studies in vivo in mice as well as tissue- and cell-based biochemical and pharmacological analyses. We are looking for a postdoc with a strong basis in neuropharmacology particularly in vivo studies in mice and who can combine biochemistry, neuroscience and pharmacology. Your tasks will include planning and execution of in vivo experiments, primary neuron experiments and biochemical and pharmacological assays. This entails a curiosity for science and a systematic approach to doing research and exploring new ideas. In addition to doing research, it is expected that you supervise students and engage in departmental teaching according to norms (currently 100 hours of total teaching per year).

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

Required qualifications and skills:

• You hold a PhD in pharmacology or neuroscience
• Specific experience with stroke and neuroinflammation is a major advantage
• You are highly experienced in experimental in vivo pharmacology and have a track record to support it
• You have FELASA accreditation and previous experience with planning and performing mouse studies
• You are an ambitious individual who works independently and possess a critical mind-set
• You can document competences in supervision and university-level teaching
• You possess strong communication and English skills, and an ability to work in teams

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Pharma Campus, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and core facilities for in vivo and in vitro work.

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 2 years. The starting date is Jan 1, 2027 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 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 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 Petrine Wellendorph, pw@sund.ku.dk.

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 the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: October 25, 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 https://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.

Interviews are expected to be held in weeks 47-48.

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