Postdoc in Systems Neuroscience at the Department of Neuroscience

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow for a project addressing the generation and functions of theta oscillations in spatial navigation using systems neuroscience and population-level approaches. The research will take place at the Department of Neuroscience (in.ku.dk ) at University of Copenhagen in the lab of Dr. Peter C. Petersen (PetersenLab.org ).

The project involves performing electrophysiological recordings from freely moving animals using chronically implanted high-density Neuropixels silicon probes and applying optogenetics for single cell tagging, and behavioral manipulations.

Our research
Our lab was founded in 2022, with the goal to understand the neuronal mechanisms involved in memory and cognition and how imbalances in the circuits can lead to pathological conditions. In particular, we study spatial memory, and theta oscillations in behaving rats, and how the distributed populations of neurons across the distributed brain circuits central to memory, are coordinating their dynamics to generate complex cognitive functions in awake rodents.

We are using state-of-the-art methods for measuring and manipulating the neuronal activity at large-scale and high specificity, together with advanced data analysis. This includes using Neuropixels and other high-density silicon probes, applying optogenetics, thermal and other perturbation techniques, dimensionality reduction, and other advanced population-analysis methods.

We are also strong supporters of open science and have developed several tools and solutions for the neuroscience community (both software and hardware solutions. We build CellExplorer - a framework for analyzing single cells (CellExplorer.org ) and are currently developing BrainSTEM (BrainSTEM.org ) - a collaborative electronic lab notebook for FAIR experimental neuroscience. Our hardware development includes 3D printed and machined microdrives and head cap systems and surgical protocols.

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 Neuroscience or other related sciences.
• You are experienced in electrophysiology.
• You have an active interest in the brain’s memory mechanisms.
• Experience with data analysis of single cells
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• In-vivo electrophysiological experiments in rodents 
• Knowledge of and experience with optogenetics/virus/genetic techniques and tools.
• Data analysis using Matlab or Python applied to single cells and populations (e.g. spike sorting and LFP analysis).

Computational neuroscience with knowledge in applying dimensionality reduction methods and population-level approaches.

Place of employment

You will be employed at the Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

The successful applicant will join a thriving international neuroscience environment. The applicant will be the major participant in all aspects of the project, from designing and performing experiments, developing technical advances, performing data analysis, and presenting the results. Please contact [email protected]  for questions and comments or go to PetersenLab.org for more information.

Living in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a fantastic city and a wonderful living experience, and it has consistently been ranked among the world’s best cities to live in . Our lab is located centrally in the neighborhood Nørrebro, which recently was ranked as the world’s coolest neighborhood by Time Out Magazine. University of Copenhagen has an International staff mobility program  to help accommodate international researchers with practical matters, before arrival such as with residence permit, housing, and childcare/school as well as during the stay with salary, tax, pension, insurance, banking as well as getting accustomed with language and culture. 

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

The desired starting date is January 1, 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.

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: October 1st, 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 in week 41 (week of October 10th).

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.