Postdoc in Therapeutic Potential of Urocortin II to Protect Muscle Mass and Function

Postdoctoral Fellow – Therapeutic Potential of Urocortin II to Protect Muscle Mass and Function The University of Copenhagen, via the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to commence on or after 15 November 2026. About Us The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research centre that pioneers groundbreaking work toward better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single‑cell genomics to whole‑body systems, CBMR aims to transform basic understanding into prevention and treatment strategies. The centre combines genetics, physiology, and pharmacology to better understand the complex interplay of factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. Our Research The Zierath Group investigates the molecular mechanisms governing skeletal muscle physiology, whole‑body metabolic homeostasis, and pharmacological interventions to identify novel translational strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. The group combines in vivo animal physiology, molecular biology, and multi‑omics approaches to bridge fundamental discovery with therapeutic application. Job Description As a Postdoctoral Fellow you will investigate the therapeutic potential of Urocortin II (UCN2), a peptide hormone that signals through the CRHR2 receptor, to preserve muscle mass and function in disease and pharmacological weight‑loss contexts. Your tasks will include designing and executing in vivo studies in models of diabetic myopathy and diet‑induced obesity, performing comprehensive metabolic and skeletal muscle phenotyping, processing samples for transcriptomic profiling, conducting bioinformatic analyses of omics‑based datasets, and preparing scientific manuscripts and presentations at national and international conferences. The fellowship will provide advanced training in translational metabolic physiology, pharmacological target validation, and multi‑omics integration. Profile The postdoctoral fellowship is aimed at early‑career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates familiar with integrative research approaches within basic cardiometabolic research applicable to human pathophysiology. Required Qualifications PhD in Physiology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or a related discipline Excellent scientific track record appropriate to career stage Strong background in skeletal muscle biology, metabolic physiology, or a closely related field Hands‑on experience with in vivo rodent models of metabolic disease (e.g., diet‑induced obesity, type 2 diabetes models) Experience with metabolic phenotyping techniques, including body composition assessment and/or functional muscle testing Experience with molecular biology techniques, including RNA isolation and transcriptomic workflows Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis of omic‑based datasets (transcriptomics, proteomics) Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, international environment Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral Eligibility Applicants must hold a PhD degree awarded from a university outside of Denmark, or a Danish PhD with at least 12 months of full‑time research experience from outside Denmark during or after the PhD studies. The PhD degree must be obtained before 15 November 2026. Applicants who have been employed in a postdoctoral position for more than one year at the University of Copenhagen prior to the commencement of the fellowship are not eligible. Terms of Employment This is a full‑time Postdoctoral Fellowship for 2 years. The starting date is 15 November 2026, 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). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. Non‑Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the last 10 years. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025. EEO Statement The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen