Research Assistant in systems motor neuroscience at Department of Neuroscience

A 1.5 year Research Assistant position is available in Professor Ole Kiehn’s laboratory at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, starting from the 1st of January 2022.  
We are looking for a highly motivated Research Assistant interested in neuroscience and particularly in neurodegenerative disorders affecting locomotion. This position is open to candidates with a newly graduated Master’s degree, and offers the opportunity to work in an excellent team engaged in motor research.

Our research team 
Our research attempts to understand mechanisms by which neurons and neuronal networks operate to generate movements. The posted position focuses on investigating the role of brainstem motor networks and their role in generating behavior. The experimental approach relies heavily on in vivo techniques involving mouse genetics, behavioral motor tracking, and viral tracing. Extraordinarily motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply.  

Job description 
We are looking for a candidate who will be performing daily experiments in our laboratory and who will integrate in our team as an interactive member. More than a year of experience as Master’s Student in Neuroscience is required. Ability to perform experiments independently and to interpret experimental results is expected. 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Biology or relevant fields (mandatory)
• Prior experience in neuroscience (mandatory)
• Accredited course in Laboratory Animal Science according to Danish Animal Experimentation Act (FELASA), enabling candidate to execute independent laboratory work (mandatory)
• Prior experience in systems neuroscience research (mandatory)
• Experience with stereotaxic injection (mandatory)
• Experience with behavioural/locomotor testing (mandatory)
• Experience with virus production and cloning (preferred)
• Previous training in molecular biology techniques and confocal microscopy (preferred)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Candidates should possess good oral communication skills.
• Well-organised, self-motivated, result-oriented and capable of working independently in a collaborative setting
• Strong analytical communication and computer skills are also required

In all cases, the ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration, and thus the University of Copenhagen wishes to encourage everyone interested in this post to apply, regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The successful candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of 1.5 years, contingent on a satisfactory performance. There is a possibility of extension pending on further funding.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Association) or other relevant professional organisation. The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of December 2020.

Foreign applicants may find the following link useful: www.ism.ku.sk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk

For further information about the position, please contact Ole Kiehn by email: [email protected]

Application procedure
The application must be submitted in English, by clicking on “Apply online” below, and must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications if any, a report card on previous research undertaken, and contact information of two references.
• Diplomas – all relevant certificates, including grades
• An outline of how you could contribute scientifically and intellectually to the research of this laboratory (approximately 1 A4 page).

Deadline for application is 25th of October 2021.
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.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

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.