Postdoc in Marine Bioluminescence

A 2-year postdoc position is open in the sensory biology group lead by assoc. prof. Anders Garm at the Marine Biological Section, University of Copenhagen. The postdoc will be part of a Villum Foundation financed project searching for UV-bioluminescence in alciopids, a group of marine annelids. The alciopids have huge camera-type eyes and we recently showed that their high-resolution vision is based on UV-receptors and the project will test the hypothesis that they use this for communication using UV-bioluminescence. We will also seek to characterize the biochemistry behind the UV-production. The project will in parallel search for UV-bioluminescence in deep-sea crustaceans and other invertebrates.  

Main tasks of the postdoc

• Use ultra-sensitive UV-camera and spectrophotometer to look for UV-bioluminescence
• Conduct behavioural experiments with UV-light
• Perform morphological and biochemical examinations of light emitting organs
• Participate on fieldtrips to Isla Ponza, Italy, and other places to collect alciopid worms

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious researcher with experience in experimental invertebrate biology. Applicants with the following qualifications are preferred:

• PhD in neuroethology, sensory ecology, marine invertebrate biology or equivalent
• Background in experimental invertebrate biology
• Experience with experimental work on bioluminescence (preferably marine)
• Experience with biochemical and morphological work is considered an advantage
• Proficiency in English – both written and spoken
• Experience mentoring students in the lab
• Motivated to work in a multidisciplinary research team, as well as independently, with an open communication style and a problem-solving attitude

The postdoc’s duties will include research within neurobiology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm, algarm@bio.ku.dk

The position is open from 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes 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 NOW below.

The application must include

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

The deadline for applications is 15 December 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry 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/.