PhD fellowship in Molecular Physiology

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Section for Molecular Physiology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in human muscle cell biology. The project is part of a 5y research project “SIDETRAC”, which is financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Start date is (expected to be) March 1st 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
Skeletal muscle is the body ́s largest tissue and pivotal to whole-body metabolic health and movement. Conditions such as overweight, inactivity, fasting and ageing disrupt the metabolic regulation of muscle fibers (adult multinucleated muscle cells) within skeletal muscle and cause loss of muscle mass and strength. Conversely, exercise improves metabolic and functional performance and preserves the mass of skeletal muscle.

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)-dependent glucose uptake into skeletal muscle accounts for the majority of whole-body glucose disposal, making the underunderlying mechanisms of clinical interest. Based on recent work by the present international team of collaborators, we hypothesize that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and TBC1D1 (D1) are required for insulin-independent GLUT4 translocation by contraction, and AMPK and TBC1D4 (D4) for redistribution of GLUT4 into insulin-responsive GLUT4 vesicles to explain insulin sensitization post-contraction. To test this, we aim to use established and novel super-resolution and electron microscopy methods to study subcellular GLUT4 localization, putative regulators and cell signaling in adult skeletal muscle from wildtype vs. AMPK/D1/D4 knockout (KO) mice, and in human muscle biopsy material during and after contraction.

The aim of this PhD project will be to optimize imaging workflows to study GLUT4 and related proteins and carry out/assist with experiments testing the above hypotheses in human and mouse skeletal muscle.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of muscle biology, cell signalling, metabolic regulation and bioimaging, with knowhow within mechanistic studies thereof. Applicants should have a background within skeletal muscle physiology and biochemistry. Prior experience with light and/or electronmicroscopy of skeletal muscle and high-pressure freezing will be considered an advantage, as will prior experience working with human and rodent muscle samples.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The main supervisor ́s research group “Muscle Growth and Metabolism” focuses broadly on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing skeletal muscle growth and metabolism in the context of exercise, physical inactivity and obesity. Our research team has broad methodological expertise within skeletal muscle biochemical methods, human muscle imaging and rodent muscle biosensor-enhanced imaging and collaborate with world-leading capacities within cellular imaging, muscle mass spectrometry, redox signaling and more. At any given time, we are 1-2 post docs, 2-3 PhD students, 4 shared research technicians (with 3 other research groups including co-supervisor prof. Jørgen Wojtaszewski) and a varying number of project-students (master, bachelor, exchange...).

The group is a part of Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located at the northern campus of University of Copenhagen in Copenhagen. 

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include a modern unique range of laboratories for cell culture, rodent and human experimental work.

Principal supervisor is asscociate professor Thomas E. Jensen, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Section for Molecular Physiology, Muscle Growth and Metabolism Group, [email protected] , Direct Phone: +45 30593437.

Co-supervisor is professor Jørgen FP Wojtaszewski, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Section for Molecular Physiology, Molecular Signaling in Muscle Metabolism Group, [email protected]

The PhD programme
A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). 

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject areas of the project, e.g. physiology, cell biology, biology, biochemistry, biomedicine. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

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. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme
• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in health-beneficial effects of exercise, muscle biology and cell signaling
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 3 January 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Det Natur- og Biovidenskabelige Fakultet på Københavns Universitet – SCIENCE i kort form – er landets største naturvidenskabelige forsknings- og uddannelsesinstitution med 4.000 ansatte og 9.700 bachelor- og kandidatstuderende fordelt på 12 institutter. Fakultetet har et årligt budget på ca. 3 mia. kr.

Læs mere om Det Natur- og Biovidenskabelige Fakultet på https://www.science.ku.dk/

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.