Postdoc in Molecular and Metabolic Modulators of AMPK Signaling

The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral fellow to commence on November 15, 2026, or after agreement in the Sakamoto Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.

The Postdoc fellowship is part of the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program.

About Us
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 Research
The overarching aim of the Sakamoto Group is to elucidate molecular mechanisms governing cellular energy sensing, as well as the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis. Our ultimate goal is to identify therapeutic targets and their small-molecules or peptide-based modulators capable of restoring energy balance in cardiometabolic disease. Our research focuses on how post-translational modifications—particularly reversible phosphorylation—and allosteric regulation of signaling proteins and metabolic enzymes contribute to metabolic control. We also investigate how disruptions in these processes drive the development and progression of cardiometabolic diseases. To address these questions, we employ a multidisciplinary approach and collaborate with leading national and international experts. We are equally committed to fostering a supportive and dynamic research environment, with a strong emphasis on the training and professional development of early-career scientists.

Job Description

We are seeking a passionate Postdoctoral researcher to join our team to identify, characterize, and validate novel molecular mechanisms and/or modulators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a key regulator of cellular and whole-body energy homeostasis, and its pharmacological modulation represents a promising strategy for the treatment of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. The goal of this position is to advance fundamental understanding of cellular energy and metabolic regulation through AMPK signaling and explore potential therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will be embedded in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment with expertise spanning metabolic signaling, computational chemistry, in vivo physiology and pharmacology, and molecular and cellular biology. The project will focus on identifying novel molecular mediators and metabolic regulators of AMPK signaling pathways, using biochemical, multi-omics, and computational approaches, alongside established genetic models and chemical tools of AMPK. Particular emphasis will be placed on AMPK-mediated pathways, with a focus on skeletal muscle glucose uptake and glycogen metabolism, as well as hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism.

Profile

The Postdoc fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with integrative research approaches within the broad area of basic cardiometabolic research with an application toward human pathophysiology.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, structural biology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline.
• Strong research background in protein kinases/phosphatases, metabolic regulation, and signaling pathways.
• Experience in ligand characterization (small molecules, metabolites, or peptides), ideally using computational structural biology and molecular modelling, is an advantage.
• Demonstrated track record of research productivity, evidenced by high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
• Proven ability to design, plan, and execute complex experiments independently, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• Experience in cross-disciplinary projects involving both computational and experimental approaches is desirable.

Eligibility

The Postdoc fellowships within the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program are open for applicants with a PhD degree awarded from a university outside of Denmark. The program is also open for applicants with a Danish PhD degree who can document at least 12 months of full-time research experience from outside Denmark during or after the PhD studies. The PhD degree has to be obtained before November 15, 2026. You are not eligible to apply for the program if you have been employed in a postdoctoral position for more than one year at the University of Copenhagen prior to the commencement of the fellowship.

Terms of Employment

The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years. Starting date is November 15, 2026, or after agreement.

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

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact Professor Kei Sakamoto (kei.sakamoto@sund.ku.dk) or Marianne Jensen PhD (marianne.jensen@sund.ku.dk). Questions regarding the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program must be directed to Senior Advisor Sarah Christoffersen at sarah.christoffersen@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.

Application Procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply for position’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate. In case the PhD has not yet been completed, a written statement from the supervisor confirming the PhD degree will be obtained before November 15, 2026, is necessary.
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026, 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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.

The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.