Postdoc of the target of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
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Postdoc of the target of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging at Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoc to join Lene Juel Rasmussen group. The position is for 11 months with a start date of February 1st, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The candidate will join the Molecular Aging Program within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) to investigate the connections between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in aging and longevity, with a particular emphasis on cardio metabolism.
Our research
Mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic instability are key features of the aging process and are closely linked to age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Our research focuses on understanding the role of genome stability and mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and age-related diseases. Utilizing human embryonic stem cels, iPSC-derived cellular models, human cell lines, mouse models, C. elegans, and Drosophila, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets to promote healthy aging and treat cardiometabolic diseases. One of our key discoveries is the OSER1 gene, a highly conserved FOXO-regulated protein that enhances oxidative stress resistance, preserves mitochondrial function, and extends lifespan across multiple species. Ongoing studies will further explore OSER1's role as a critical factor in healthy aging.
The postdoc’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:
The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), University of Copenhagen. ICMM offers a creative and ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components, and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context.
ICMM currently comprises five research programs, three high profile Research Centers as well as several international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen.
More information can be found at https://icmm.ku.dk/english/.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 11 months. The start date is February 1st, 2026 or soon after.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation.
Foreign 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 Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Lene Juel Rasmussen by email: lenera@sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
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 http://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 wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.
The candidate will join the Molecular Aging Program within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) to investigate the connections between mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in aging and longevity, with a particular emphasis on cardio metabolism.
Our research
Mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic instability are key features of the aging process and are closely linked to age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Our research focuses on understanding the role of genome stability and mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and age-related diseases. Utilizing human embryonic stem cels, iPSC-derived cellular models, human cell lines, mouse models, C. elegans, and Drosophila, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets to promote healthy aging and treat cardiometabolic diseases. One of our key discoveries is the OSER1 gene, a highly conserved FOXO-regulated protein that enhances oxidative stress resistance, preserves mitochondrial function, and extends lifespan across multiple species. Ongoing studies will further explore OSER1's role as a critical factor in healthy aging.
The postdoc’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:
- research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
- research-based teaching
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:
- You have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, (bio)medicine, biology, or similar.
- Documented hands-on experience with stem cells and cellular differentiation.
- You are highly experienced in mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative metabolism, and redox biology
- Proven expertise in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism assessment in cells, isolated mitochondria, and/or tissue biopsies.
- Proven ability to present and publish research data
- Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written
- Familiarity with microscopy and flow cytometry is an advantage.
- Skilled in mitochondrial bioenergetic analyses, including oxygen consumption and glycolytic rate measurements (Agilent Seahorse XF), high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros O2k), and assessment of ROS and redox parameters using spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays. Experienced in mitochondrial isolation, substrate utilization, and redox-sensitive probes.
- Experience with animal handling and tissue sample preparation for bioenergetic or redox analyses.
- Familiarity with data analysis and kinetic modeling of oxidative metabolism.
The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), University of Copenhagen. ICMM offers a creative and ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components, and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context.
ICMM currently comprises five research programs, three high profile Research Centers as well as several international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen.
More information can be found at https://icmm.ku.dk/english/.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 11 months. The start date is February 1st, 2026 or soon after.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation.
Foreign 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 Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Lene Juel Rasmussen by email: lenera@sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).
Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- 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
- List of publications
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 http://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 wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.