Postdoc in Motoneurone-Microglia communication in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at the Department of Neuroscience

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking to recruit a new team member for our laboratory at the level of postdoc to investigate a breakdown in microglia-motoneurone communication in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The post is for two years during which time you will be based at our new state of the art facilities at the Department of Neuroscience in Copenhagen and would ideally start this winter.

Information on our research group can be found here: https://in.ku.dk/research/Meehan-lab

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

The project: You will use in vivo imaging, electrophysiology and optogenetics in a transgenic model of the neurodegenerative disease ALS to investigate the role of microglia-motoneurone signaling in this disease.

Our laboratory focuses on the role of neuronal excitability in ALS and specializes in in vivo electrophysiology (see Meehan et al Nat Protoc. 2017) in addition to a range of anatomical techniques. Using these, we have shown motoneurones to be intrinsically more excitable in this disease. We are now extending this work to investigate how this excitability is controlled by non-neuronal cells including microglia. In this new project, we will be complementing our existing techniques with advanced live imaging techniques to visualize activity dependent communication between microglia and the motoneurones in a new inducible sporadic model of ALS. The project will be performed in collaboration with the laboratory of Associate Professor Rune Berg

The team you will join: We are a group consisting of 1 postdoc, 1 PhD student, 1 research year medical student, 2 masters students and 1 bachelor student.  We aim to create an inclusive environment where we can both support and celebrate diversity in all its forms including physical ability, age, race, LGBTQ+ status, religion, gender, health and socioeconomic status. This includes those looking to reintegrate into the science community after a leave of absence.

What can you expect: We are a group of passionate neuroscientists.We also value a work life balance, and believe that this is not necessarily at odds with being ambitious and innovative. In fact, a happy lab is a productive lab. As a postdoc in our group, in addition to learning and developing research techniques, you can expect to receive on-going training and mentoring in all aspects of being a researcher including grant writing, supervision, project management etc.  Opportunities to gain documented teaching experience and teaching qualifications also exist.

Your Profile: We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Necessary Criteria

• A PhD in a neuroscience field (preferably motor control or ALS)
• The ability to communicate at an academic level in English, both verbally and in writing.
• A passion for science and an interest in neurodegenerative diseases
• A respectful and tolerant attitude

Preferable but not necessary Criteria

• Electrophysiology experience
• Experience with rodent handling

Given the disruption and publication delays caused by the pandemic over the last couple of years that have affected various groups of ECRs disproportionately, publications, although relevant, will not be the highest criteria and preprints are also considered.  Additionally, you are encouraged to send a PDF of something you have written that you are particularly proud of.

Applicants will therefore be judged primarily on their letter of application, skills acquired (documented in any way, e.g. abstracts, theses, reference letters) and performance in interviews (for those short-listed).

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Panum Insititute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include new cutting-edge in vivo modern laboratories designed for work with transgenic models of motor disorders.

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 1 January 2023.

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 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 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 please contact  [email protected] ; https://in.ku.dk/research/Meehan-lab

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:

Deadline for applications: 12 October 2022, 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.

Interviews are expected to be held as soon as possible after the deadline.

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.