Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
University of Copenhagen

We are seeking a motivated researcher with expertise in obesity, G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology, neuroscience, animal models and viral techniques to work in the Gillum group to elucidate how rare human genetic loss-of-function variants cause obesity and affect food choices and reward motivation. The position is a 2-year position to start July 1, 2021, or after agreement. 

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research’s vision is to strengthen interdisciplinary research that transforms our basic understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge toward new prevention and treatment strategies. We were established in 2010 and in 2017, we moved into new laboratories, offices and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower www.maersktower.ku.dk. 

The Center has around 260 employees who work in an international, highly collaborative research environment across a range of biomedical disciplines. You can read more about us here: www.cbmr.ku.dk.

Our group and research

The Gillum Group characterizes hormones and metabolites generated via the gut, gut microbiota, and liver that govern host metabolism and appetite. We identify the receptors and cellular targets through which they exert their beneficial or detrimental effects with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic possibilities. You can read more about the Gillum Group here.
 
Project description

The purpose of this project is to delineate how a rare human genetic variant causes obesity in translational animal models. This will entail identifying where in the brain the protein is expressed using newly-generated transgenic animal models, as well as what circulating factors change its activity to influence body weight. 

Your job

Your job responsibilites will include stereotaxic intections, viral chemogenetics, metabolic phenotyping, behavioural conditioning experiments, immunohistochemistry, and state-of-the art plasma protein profiling. 

In addition, you must have excellent communication and organisational skills as you will contribute to collaborative work with colleagues in the Gillum group and at CBMR.

Profile 

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

• PhD in pharmacology, neuroscience, physiology, human biology or similar
• Strong interest in the molecular pathogenesis of obesity and mechanisms governing human body weight
• High level of proficiency in neuroscience and animal behavioural techniques, including histology and chemogenetics
• Experience with rodent metabolic phenotyping
• Experience in food reward behavioural paradigms
• Demonstrated capacity for effective teamwork.
• Proven track record showing scientific productivity in peer reviewed journals.
• Experience in supervising other researchers at different levels.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. 

Terms of employment 

The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is July 1, 2021, or after agreement. 

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

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Questions

For further information please contact Associate Professor Matthew Paul Gillum at gillum@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at SUND-HR-CBMR@sund.ku.dk.
International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/.  

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

Application deadline: 11 April 2021, 23:59. 

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 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 welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.