Postdoc in brain resilience to heat

Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position to investigate the effect of heat on neural circuits. The selected candidate will start on 1 May 2026, or shortly thereafter. Our research We are a systems neuroscience laboratory focusing on understanding the mechanisms by which neural circuits and behaviors are affected by stress Our expertise includes behavioral assays, in vivo calcium imaging of large populations of neurons (2 photon & light sheet microscopy), opto/chemogenetics, and neuronal tracing. We use transparent, transgenic larval zebrafish as a vertebrate model amenable to whole brain imaging at cellular resolution in vivo. You will work directly with Associate Prof. Florence Kermen and in close collaboration with other team members. Frequent scientific and social events at the institute contribute to a collaborative and enjoyable work atmosphere. We are located in beautiful and well-connected Copenhagen. Our lab is interested in how vertebrates cope with heat and we recently characterized zebrafish locomotor and neural dysfunctions that occur at increasing temperatures (Andreassen et al., PNAS 2022; doi: /pnas. ). In this project, your main task will be to determine the mechanisms of brain resilience and adaptation to heat at circuit and cellular levels, by using quantitative behavioural assays, in vivo calcium imaging and opto/chemogenetics. You will play a key role in establishing or refining the imaging and data analysis protocols and have a large degree of freedom in shaping the project, depending on your experience. You will have the opportunity to grow your professional network by participating in relevant conferences. You will actively contribute to the team’s scientific goals by training and supervising junior scientists. Profile We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience: Essential experience and skills: You have a PhD and several first-author publications in Neuroscience or in a related biological field You have documented experience with writing and publishing scientific articles You hold a valid certificate in Laboratory Animal science (function ABC) You have documented experience with in vivo calcium imaging of brain activity and with behavioural assays in zebrafish You have good scientific communication skills and ability to work in teams You are proficient in English, written and spoken Desirable experience and skills: Experience with data analysis and programming (Matlab, Python) Experience with electrophysiology Place of employment The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Panum building, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, zebrafish research facility, and microscopy facility ( 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 2 years. The starting date is 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. 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. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund. 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 2025. Questions For further information please contact Associate Professor Florence Kermen ( ; ). 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: Motivated letter of application (max. one page). CV incl. education, work/research experience, grant/awards, language skills and contact details of 2 academic references. 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. Complete list of publications, indicating your specific contributions. Deadline for applications 21 December 2025, 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. The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities. Interviews are expected to be held in week 4, 2026. The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background. Part of the InternationalAllianceof 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. Department/Location: Department of Neuroscience #J-18808-Ljbffr