The Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cardiac Electrophysiology Group, at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 2-year post-doctoral position starting on 1 July 2023 or soon thereafter.  We are looking for a motivated and dynamic researcher with a strong interest in cardiac calcium handling.

The project

Clinical trials of pharmacological therapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have produced largely neutral results. The management of patients with HFpEF is mostly directed toward treating associated conditions (e.g., hypertension and diabetes). We hypothesize that remodeling leading to HFpEF is bimodal: There is an increase in interstitial, cardiac fibrosis and there is a slowing of the intracellular calcium cycling during the heartbeat. You will test this hypothesis and also test the ability of drug-treatment to invigorate the intracellular calcium handling. We use a mouse model of HFpEF to study the disease progression and potential treatment strategies. Read more about the Thomsen-group here: https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/circulation-kidney-and-lung/thomsen-group/

About us

The Department's research is translational and placed in the cross-field between academic health research and the clinic/industry. The aim of our research is to generate new knowledge that can be used in the prevention and treatment of diseases, for example diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.

At the Thomsen-group, we use disease models and genetically altered mice to mimic clinically relevant cardiac and non-cardiac disorders, and study the altered cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia vulnerability in these animal models. We are experts in cardiac electrophysiology and hemodynamic remodeling, using a range of methods from ECG and blood pressure recordings in conscious animals to isolated heart preparations. Will use our expertise in cardiac remodeling and your expertise in cellular calcium handling to test HFpEF disease progression and treatment ideas.

Your qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist. Applicants should hold a PhD degree, or be close to defending it, within the biomedical sciences (e.g., medicine, human biology, biomedicine) or related fields. Applicants should preferably have obtained their PhD degree in 2017 or later but it is not a requirement. Applicants must have (i) documented competences in calcium imaging of live cardiomyocytes and (ii) experience in quantifying these data. Previous experience working on cardiac remodeling and electrophysiology is an advantage, but not a requirement. Ideally, you have taken your PhD in a lab known for high-quality scientific work testing innovative hypotheses in cardiac calcium handling. It is essential that you possess good communication skills, can work in teams but also can work independently and many hours in front of the microscope. Your written and spoken English skills are excellent.

Job description

The project is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and includes salary for a two-year post-doctoral researcher.

You will take part in the design and lead the execution of experiments characterizing the cellular calcium handling in cardiomyocytes from mouse hearts. The mice are either in HFpEF or healthy controls. Secondly, we will test treatment options in vivo and you will determine changes in calcium handling dynamics.

Your key task is thus to carry out a research project under mentorship of the project’s principal investigator and group leader, associate professor Morten B Thomsen. Secondly, you are expected to participate actively in the research environment locally and beyond, present and discuss your research both internationally and at local group meetings, draft scientific papers describing your research findings, participate in day-to-day supervision of students plus teach and disseminate your knowledge.

Contact information

For further information please contact project’s principal investigator, associate professor Morten B Thomsen mbthom@sund.ku.dk. Information about the recruitment process is available from HR, sund-hr-bmi@sund.ku.dk  

Salary and Terms of Employment

Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

The average weekly working hours is 37 hours per week.

The annual salary for postdoctoral researchers is within the range DKK 428,739.36 – 451,406,36 (EUR 57,600- 60,600).

In addition to the salary paid directly to you, the University will also pay a monthly contribution to your pension fund corresponding to 17.1% of your salary. Negotiation for additional supplements will be possible.

A special tax scheme is offered for researchers recruited from abroad, see https://ism.ku.dk/salary-tax-pension/

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or ethnicity.

International applicants

The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about these services as well as information on entering and working in Denmark here: https://ism.ku.dk/

Application

The application must be submitted in English through the online application form by clicking "Apply online" below and accompanied by the following appendices:

Appendix 1: Cover letter detailing (i) how the scientific qualifications of the applicant meet the requirements for this position and (ii) how the applicant will fit into the department and the research group.

Appendix 2: Curriculum vitae, preferably with a recent headshot photo.

Appendix 3: A complete list of publications (including those accepted for publication).

Appendix 4: Your best publication (or chapter from your PhD dissertation) (max 30 PDF pages)

Appendix 5: A copy of the doctoral certificate or a letter signed by the PhD supervisor that a doctoral certificate is expected in due time.

Appendix 6 (optional): A letter of recommendation from your PhD supervisor or mentor.

Please note that it is only possible to upload one document per attachment category. If more than one document, please make sure the documents are scanned and collected in one file. 

All other written communication with you will be via e-mail.

Please note that applications will be assessed based on these mandatory enclosures. Applicants cannot expect any additional documentation to be considered in the assessment. 

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

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, applicants are shortlisted and selected for assessment on the advice of the Appointment Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether an expert assessment committee has passed their application for assessment. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to you. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk

Application deadline: 31 March 2023, 23:59 CET. Applications received after deadline will not be given consideration.

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.