Postdoc in Marine Bioluminescence

A 3-year postdoc position is open, shared between the sensory biology group lead by Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm at the Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen and the Centre for Gelatinous Plankton Ecology & Evolution at DTU Aqua, lead by Senior Scientist Dr. Cornelia Jaspers. The postdoc is funded via the Danish Research Council and the DFF2 project - Marine bioluminescence: How and why? The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to investigate the function and ecological significance of bioluminescence and the potential synthesis pathways of the light emitting substrate – coelenterazine. Even though bioluminescence is a surprisingly common trait in marine organisms, little is known about its ecological, evolutionary and biochemical nature. We will establish the invasive comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi, one of the very few animals known to produce coelenterazine, as model organism in our laboratories at DTU Aqua and University of Copenhagen. Apart from studying bioluminescence in wildtype animals, we will use CRISPRcas technology to produce knock-out lines, which will then be used in comparative physiological and ecological experiments to understand the cost, function and ecological significance of bioluminescence. Additionally, a key component of this project will be hosted by Prof. Jakob R. Winther at the Section for Biomolecular Sciences.

The successful applicant will be part of a highly interdisciplinary work environment spanning from biochemistry to marine ecology with a strong focus on experimental and hypothesis driven work. The workplace will be shared between the University of Copenhagen and DTU Aqua and a large part of the work will happen in close collaboration with the other postdoc included in the project.           

Main tasks of the postdoc

• Culture M. leidyi and use CRISPR-cas9 to obtain knockout strains
• Perform common garden experiments testing wildtype vs knockout strains
• Design and use custom-made antibodies to localize the expression of key elements in coelenterazine biosynthesis/recycling
• Use transmission electron microscopy and VolumeScope FIB-SEM electron microscopy to map compartmentalization and innervation of the light producing photocytes

Qualifications

We are looking for a self-motivated and curiosity driven researcher eager to work in an interdisciplinary team across two major Danish universities in Copenhagen. The successful applicant should be a team player with experience in experimental cell biology, ecology or evolutionary research. Applicants with the following qualifications are preferred:

• PhD in cell biology, marine ecology, marine invertebrate biology or equivalent.
• Previous work with culturing and conducting experimental work with invertebrates.
• Background in bioluminescence, experimental physiology or cell biology.
• Experience with biochemical or morphological work.
• Gene manipulation experience (CRISPRcas).
• Proficiency in English – both written and spoken.
• Experience mentoring students in the lab.
• Motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research team, as well as independently, with an open communication style and a problem-solving attitude.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within invertebrate biology, cell biology and marine ecology as well as teaching.

Further information on the Departments is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ and https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm, algarm@bio.ku.dk or Senior Scientist Dr. Cornelia Jaspers, coja@aqua.dtu.dk

The position is open from 1st of June 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be approx. 1.5 years at University of Copenhagen and approx. 1.5 at DTU Aqua.

The universities wish our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking "APPLY for position" below.

The application must include

• Motivated letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• PhD and master diploma or transcript in English
• Complete list of publications
• Separate PDFs of particularly relevant papers (max 3)

The deadline for applications is 1th of March 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiration of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/