Assistant professor in Synaptic Transmission of Animal Disease Models at Department of Neuroscience

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic Assistant Professor with interest in synaptic transmission for a 3-year position to start at March 1st 2024 or after agreement.

Background

The position is part of the project “From disease-causing variants to targeted therapy in GABA-A receptor related epilepsies” funded by Lundbeckfonden”. The project involves novel human and animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders caused by gain of function mutations of GABAA receptors associated with epileptic seizures. We want to test specific hypotheses for the etiology of these disorders. We hypothesize that an imbalance in the ratio between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission leads to hyperexcitability. This is a collaboration with the Danish Epilepsy Hospital Filadelfia (Dr. Rikke Møller), and The University of Sydney (Philip K. Ahring and Professor, Christopher Reid).

Our research

Our lab at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (Perrier group) is international and we welcome team members of any nationality, gender and age. We have a strong interest in the endogenous properties of neurons and in mechanisms behind epilepsy. Methods used are patch-clamp and 2-photon microscopy on brain slices as well as behaviour. Information on the Perrier group can be found on https://in.ku.dk/research/jean-francois-perrier/ . The successful applicant will interact with the lab of Sørensen located on the same floor of the Mærsk Tower, in the vibrant research environment of Department of Neuroscience. Information on the department can be found at: https://in.ku.dk/ and with the groups based in Filadelfia Hospital (Dianalund) https://www.filadelfia.dk   and University of Sydney, Australia.

Your job

The specific aim of the current position is to investigate synaptic transmission within identified microcircuits in the brain, whose dysfunction might underlie cortical hyperexcitability and intellectual disability.

Together with other group members, your tasks will be to perform double patch-clamp recordings in slice preparation from the hippocampus and neocortex of novel and existing mouse disease models (and control animals). Using a combination of electrophysiology and optics (Calcium-measurements, optogenetics) you will characterize feedforward and feedback inhibition circuits and work together with other team members in Copenhagen, Dianalund and University of Sydney to gain a detailed understanding of these disorders.

Part of your job will be to teach medicine, odontology and molecular biomedicine students.

The Assistant Professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile

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. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit .

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Neuroscience and postdoc experience.
• You have strong experience with slice preparation from the brain of rodents (hippocampus, neocortex, brainstem). Experience with double recordings would be an advantage.
• You have strong experience with electrophysiological techniques (patch clamping, stimulation).
• You have experience with optogenetics and calcium imaging.
• You are enthusiastic, highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at 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 in the new ‘Mærsk Tower’, https://maersktower.ku.dk/ .

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 3 years. Starting date is 1 March 2024, or after agreement.

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.

2020.

Questions
For further information please contact, please contact Associate Professor Jean-François Perrier, e-mail: perrier@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 applicable), c) transcripts of records, including courses followed and marks obtained. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

4. List of publications.

5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

6. Letters of recommendation and the name of at least two references

Application deadline:  5 October 2023, 23.59pm CET

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 wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply 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.