Postdoc in synaptic plasticity & neural network processing at the Department of Neuroscience

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

Our ERC and Novo Nordisk Foundation funded laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral team member that investigates the role of synaptic plasticity for neural information processing and locomotion. The initial appointment is for 2 years with the possibility of extension. The start date is 1 January 2024 or upon personal agreement.

Information on the department can be found at: https://in.ku.dk/

Our group and research
The Walter group is highly interactive and characterized by teamwork. The team is interdisciplinary and international. We study plasticity mechanisms by which synapses dynamically adjust their transmission strength on various timescales. For our work we use the animal model Drosophila melanogaster. This model system is easily amenable to genetic analysis, electrophysiology, light microscopy, and behavioural analysis. Information on the Walter group can be found here: https://www.walter-lab.com/.

Background
Our research focuses on the molecular mechanism by which the release of neurotransmitters is dynamically regulated. Our lab has extensive experience in both characterizing the relevant molecular machinery, physiological profiling of neural activity and behavioural read-out (see Reddy-Alla et al., 2017, Neuron 95(6):1350; Böhme et al., 2019 Nat Commun. 10(1):1085; Böhme et al., 2021, Glia 69(8):1897; Jusyte et al., 2023, Cell Reports 42(6):112541).

Your job
You will investigate how genetic/pharmacological manipulations that change short-term synaptic plasticity affect information processing at the level of central neural networks and animal behaviour. Besides using genetic tools, the project involves live cell microscopy or electrophysiology and the behavioural analysis of locomotion or learning. Moreover, you will investigate how these functions are changed by human disease mutations that affect this form of plasticity which may help understand disease mechanisms. You will participate in planning the exact experiments to be performed. Together with other group members, your tasks will be to design experiments, generate flylines, perform experiments, analyze results, and write up papers.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experiences:

Essential experience and skills:

• PhD degree in natural or medical science
• You have an excellent scientific track record, preferably with first-author publications.
• You hold experience in microscopy, electrophysiological, or behavioural analysis.
• You are enthusiastic, highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Good communication skills.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Optional experience and skills:

• Work experience with Drosophila melanogaster
• You hold experience in programming (e.g. Matlab, Python)

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Panum institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and instrumentation.

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 with the possibility of extension.

The start date is 1 January 2024 or after agreement.

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 organization.

Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,290 DKK /approx. 4,870 EUR (April 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Dr. Alexander Matthias Walter, Department of Neuroscience, awalter@sund.ku.dk, direct phone: +45 28752811; https://www.walter-lab.com/; www.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:

1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. 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
4. List of publications
5. Letters of recommendation and the name of at least two references

Deadline for applications: 30 July 2023, 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. 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.