About the project

Acute stroke is a leading cause of disability and death, affecting over 1 million people per year in Europe alone. Physical activity is the most effective way to reduce the risk of all cardiovascular events, including stroke. However, after menopause, a transition where the risk of severe cardiovascular events increases drastically for women, the effects of physical activity on the vascular system can change. The molecular pathways underlying these important changes are not yet understood.

To elucidate these pathways, you will look specifically at noncoding RNAs. RNAs respond rapidly to stimuli such as physical activity and can travel and communicate between different tissues, such as between skeletal muscles and the brain. Furthermore, in response to such stimuli, RNAs undergo chemical modifications at individual nucleotide level, adapting the distinct biological functions of these RNAs. You will combine studies on acute stroke in women and studies in women of varying physical activity/fitness levels going through menopausal transition, with in vitro studies on primary human brain endothelial cells to elucidate underlying cellular RNA signalling pathways.

About you

• You hold a PhD degree in molecular biology, molecular physiology, molecular medicine or similar.
• You have proven experience in RNA research. Experience with small RNAs (i.e. microRNAs, tRNA, snoRNAs, piRNAs etc.) is an advantage, as is experience in working with RNA modifications, as well as experience with RNA-Seq data analysis.
• You have experience with cell culture and in vitro studies. Isolation and culture of primary cells, as well as working with human volunteers, is an advantage.
• You work independently and have the ambition to develop into a research leader. Experience in grant writing and (student) supervision is an advantage.
• As you will be working with human volunteers, medical doctors and basic scientists, excellent communication skills are required and knowledge of the Danish language is an advantage.

About the department

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ and https://nexs.ku.dk/english/research/the-august-krogh-section-for-human-physiology/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Dr. A.Y. Nossent (nossent@nexs.ku.dk).

The position is open from January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is for a maximum of three years.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Description of current research
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 13 November 2023, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held in week 49 of 2023.

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.