Postdoc in disease of neurotransmitter release

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher for studies of disease mutations leading to defects in synaptic transmission for a 2-year position starting at 1 June 2024, or after agreement.

The position is at the Sørensen Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Background
We seek an excellent postdoc with a high potential for original research. The project focuses on the molecular basis for neurodevelopmental diseases with epilepsy. This is studied using a combination of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hIPSCs) and expression of mutants in mouse neurons, combined with microscopy, electrophysiology, and possibly mathematical modelling. We have recently studied mutations that interfere with the interaction of two proteins in the release machinery: SNAP25 and synaptotagmin-1 (Kádková et al., 2024, Elife 13:RP886197. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.88619). We now want to investigate how these and other mutations give rise to epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delays (see also Verhage and Sørensen, 2020, Neuron 107:22-37). To this end, we will establish new measurement paradigms that are amenable to drug discovery.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• PhD or equivalent degree in natural or medical science.
• You have an excellent scientific track record.
• You are highly experienced in electrophysiological and/or optical techniques.
• You have experience with cell culture methods.
• You are enthusiastic, highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Optional skills

• Experience with human stem cell work.

Our research
The Sørensen group is interdisciplinary and international, and we welcome team members of any nationality, gender and age. Our work is focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of synaptic transmission and neurotransmitter release, and to understand the consequences of disease conditions. Information on the Sørensen group can be found on https://in.ku.dk/research/jakob-balslev-soerensen/ .

Your job
The specific aim of the current position is to investigate the mechanism by which mutations in the release machinery cause disease. You will participate in making a plan for the exact experiments to be performed. Together with other group members, your tasks will be to design experiments, perform electrophysiological recordings, analyze results, and write up papers.

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 2 years. Starting date is 1 June 2024, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/ approx. 4,800 Euro (October 2023-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

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” of June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information please contact, please contact Professor Jakob Balslev Sørensen [email protected] .

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) transcript of records, including courses followed and marks obtained. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor confirming that you will submit the PhD thesis before start of the position should be included.

4. List of publications.

5. Letters of recommendation

Application deadline:  25 March 2024, 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.

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.