Postdoctoral fellowship in Metabolic Signaling

We are looking to hire a highly motivated and dynamic researcher with a PhD or equivalent doctorate to join the Sakamoto Group. Candidates should have strong background in biochemistry, cellular/molecular biology and cell signaling with extensive experience in research field related to metabolism and energy homeostasis. The position is a 2-year position to start April 15, 2022, 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 towards 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 Sakamoto Group investigates fundamental molecular signalling mechanisms that control energy metabolism and glucose homeostasis associated with exercise, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.You can read more about the Sakamoto Group here .

Project & your work

Cellular adaption to nutrient and metabolic stresses such as starvation and exercise are critical for the maintenance of organismal homeostasis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of energy homeostasis and a promising drug target for treatment of metabolic disorders. We have recently identified that Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, is a downstream target of AMPK in various cells/tissues including muscle and liver. The successful candidate will conduct experiments to elucidate 1) the molecular mechanism by which AMPK regulates TFEB, and 2) investigate functional roles that AMPK-TFEB axis play in the context of cellular metabolism and adaptation using genetic and pharmacological tools in both cellular and tissue/whole-body levels.

Profile

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher who have the following skills and qualifications:

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or related sciences
• Profound knowledge on energy metabolism, protein kinase regulation/signaling, enzymology and biochemical assays
• Proven track record in relation to career stage (at least one first authored publication in an internationally recognised peer-reviewed journal)
• Experience with preclinical studies is a plus 
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience in supervising other researchers at different levels
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the 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 April 15, 2022 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” from June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information, please contact Professor Kei Sakamoto at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected] .

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: 6 February 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.

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.