Postdoc in Metabolomics, Microbiome, and Cardiometabolic health

Are you interested in pursuing a career within metabolomics, microbiome and cardiometabolic health? Are you good at working independently, but also enjoy being part of an ambitious and collaborating team? Then you might be our new postdoc! The position is to be filled by 1 April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is affiliated to Microbiome Health Initiative (MHI) funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The objectives of MHI are to determine the causal role(s) of the gut microbiome for cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) and to utilize this knowledge to investigate strategies for developing microbiome-based interventions to prevent and/or treat CMDs in humans. The ambitious MHI virtual centre involves top research environments in Denmark and throughout Europe with complementary competencies.

The postdoc will apply state-of-the-art metabolomics on samples from pre-clinical studies and already conducted human studies to identify microbial metabolites that are intrinsically associated with CMD processes and that could be regulated through foods to produce a desired therapeutic effect. The postdoc will seek to understand how these microbial metabolites are regulated and associated with gut microbiome composition, gut environment, diet, and markers of cardiometabolic health.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in studying the role of gut microbial metabolites in cardiometabolic health by performing metabolomics analyses and integrating omics-data from human studies. Additionally, the candidate will be involved in the supervision of the group’s Ph.D., Master and Bachelor students. The work will involve:

• Sample preparation and analysis of human samples with targeted and untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) - based metabolomics
• LC-MS data extraction and preprocessing using R
• Integration of diet, microbiome and metabolomics data with statistical analyses using R
• Collaboration with other researchers, technicians and students affiliated to the project
• Dissemination of results in the form conference contributions and scientific publications
• Teaching on nutrition, microbiome and metabolomics courses depending on interests/expertise

The candidate we seek

• Has a PhD degree in metabolomics, chemometrics, bioinformatics or other related areas
• Has demonstrated expertise in mass-spectrometric data analyses (e.g. metabolomics)
• Has demonstrated expertise in omics data integration and flair for R programming
• Has an excellent publication track record (or equivalent experience) and strong scientific drive
• Is motivated by both personal and team accomplishments
• Thrives on multidisciplinary collaboration and is curious and open-minded
• Has experience and a proven track record of successful collaboration in diverse research environments

As a formal requirement, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Experience with human nutritional/microbiome intervention/cohort studies is favorable, but not a requirement.

We offer
The period of employment is 3 years. The expected starting date is 1st April, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You will be part of the Nutrition, Microbiome and Metabolomics Research Group headed by Associate Professor Henrik Munch Roager at Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science at University of Copenhagen. We offer a dynamic, sociable, collaborative, and international environment with exiting scientific challenges and opportunities to further develop your scientific career. Beyond our expertise in nutrition, microbiome and metabolomics, we offer access to our metabolomics facility and facilities dedicated to cohort- and intervention studies.

The research group is also affiliated to the Copenhagen Gut Microbiome Hub, which brings together the region’s leading scientists, researchers and industry professionals dedicated to leverage the gut microbiome to improve health.

The University is situated in Copenhagen, which is consistently rated among the world's top 10 most livable and sustainable cities. Life for families is made easier via a publicly supported daycare and healthcare system, dual-career opportunities, maternity/parental leave, and six weeks of annual vacation. International candidates may find useful information on living and working in Denmark. Useful information is also available at the university’s International Staff Mobility (ISM) office, which offers a variety of services to international researchers coming to and working at the University of Copenhagen.

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.

Please include

• Application (Cover letter)
• CV
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list

The deadline for applications is January 5, 2025, 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/.

Interviews are expected to be held on 27th-31st of January, 2025.  

Further information
Further information about the position may be obtained from Associate Professor Henrik Munch Roager, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen (hero@nexs.ku.dk)

You can read more about the research group at
https://nexs.ku.dk/english/research/nutrition-health/nutrition-microbiome-and-metabolomics/

You can also read more about Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen at www.nexs.ku.dk/english/