Postdoc in Translational Neurobiology at Department of Neuroscience

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year period starting at September 1, 2025.

We are seeking an exceptional scientist (MD/PhD or PhD) for a two-year position who is interested in studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of biomolecules and nanoliposome at the blood-brain barrier in Parkinson's disease models using two-photon microscopy imaging.

Information regarding the department can be found at: https://in.ku.dk/

Our research
The Translational Neurobiology lab has developed advanced new imaging and image analysis tools for multimodal measurements of brain activity. We leverage these tools to identify the cellular and molecular origins of neurovascular functions, with a current focus on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our team utilizes multiphoton microscopy to quantitatively assess permeability properties along para- and transcellular pathways in both healthy and diseased brains. Our interdisciplinary team has recently been working to characterize the location and character of vesicular transport of small and big molecules and nanoparticles across the BBB. We will now use two-photon microscopy imaging in live, behaving animal models of Parkinson's disease to explore new treatment possibilities. Our team is inclusive and promotes the fair treatment of all team members, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or age. Our team is already diverse, and we are eager to welcome you to our group.

Your job
As a postdoctoral researcher on this project, your role will be to develop and validate a novel method to deliver clinically relevant concentrations of functionalized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into the central nervous system (CNS). Our research focuses on targeting and selectively eliminating toxic α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates, including oligomers and fibrils. These aggregates have been identified as key drivers of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Your responsibilities would include characterizing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mAbs and nanoliposomes using two-photon microscopy imaging in live, behaving animal models. Two approaches will be used, both involving the intravenous injection of monoclonal antibodies/nanoliposomes that engage a vascular endothelial target to facilitate transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The study's translational perspective is to develop novel biologics for the treatment of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a Ph.D. in Biology, Medicine or Natural Sciences
• You have experience with 2-photon microscopy imaging in live mice
• You have experience with brain transport mechanisms or vascular function
• You have previously published work on vascular functions
• You have experience with MATLAB/Python programming, ImageJ, modeling, and data analysis
• You have experience with real-time data acquisition and instrument control
• You have experience with innovative scientific or technical solutions
• You are proficient in written and spoken English

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills
• You are independent, driven, and intellectually curious in your approach to research

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and advanced bioimaging facilities.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is September 1, 2025 or after agreement. 

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,188.00 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Martin Lauritzen on tel. (+45)24841840, or mlauritz@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: June 4, 2025

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 can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

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

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

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.