Assistant Professor, Department of Biology

Department of Biology

Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

Job Description

The SIGNATURE project aims to define the human insulin resistance molecular network by identifying different baseline sub-phenotypes of insulin resistance in humans and assessing the impact of two highly controlled, short-term lifestyle interventions. Through these interventions, the project seeks to achieve deep phenotyping related to insulin resistance, advancing our understanding of metabolic health.

To support this effort, SIGNATURE is seeking a Post Doc or Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing and conducting mitochondrial function measurements on human adipose tissue and skeletal muscle samples. Additionally, the role includes participating in human experiments, performing various laboratory techniques, managing and analyzing data, contributing to manuscript writing, and supervising students in the laboratory.

Qualifications of the applicant

• Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, human physiology).
• Strong record in laboratory methodology.
• Experience with high resolution respirometry is expected.
• Strong record within mitochondrial function research in human adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.
• Strong publication record within metabolic research.
• Experience in performing human experiments is preferred.

The position will be based at Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology located at the August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13, but the candidate will also be working in close collaboration with researcher at Department of Nutrition Exercise and Sports. Both departments are at The Faculty of Science at The University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate will primarily be supervised by Professor Henriette Pilegaard, while also working closely with Professor Jørgen Wojtaszewski and Professor Ylva Hellsten, contributing to research within the SIGNATURE project.

Application.

Applications must be submitted in English and include the following documents:

• Motivation letter outlining motivation for applying (maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Complete list of publications
• PhD diploma (and other relevant certificates)
• Documentation of supervision experience (if applicable)

Application procedure

After the application deadline has expired, the Chair of the Appointment Committee selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointment Committee. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment.

Terms of employment
The position is open from July 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, with an initial duration of 4 years and the possibility of an additional 2 years, subject to performance, funding availability, and mutual agreement.

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

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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

Contact

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/ and inquiries about the position can be made to either Professor Henriette Pilegaard (hpilegaard@bio.ku.dk) or the team’s Research Coordinator Kate Aiko Wickham (kawi@nexs.ku.dk).

Application deadline: 25 April 2025

Employment start: 01-07-2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Working hours: Full time

Section/Department: Cell Biology and Physiology/Department of Biology

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

 Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.[KW1] 

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