Academic ConnectPostdoc in Neurobiology of Appetite, Obesity & Neuroplasticity
The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoc fellow to commence on February 1, 2026, or after agreement in the Clemmensen Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.
The Postdoc fellowship is part of the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program.
About Us
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharmacology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.
CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at Panum since 2017. The around 250 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.
About Our Research
The Clemmensen Group is dedicated to uncovering the fundamental mechanisms that regulate body weight. Our research focuses on identifying key physiological and molecular pathways that regulate food intake and energy expenditure. In context, a major area of interest in our lab is understanding how changes in energy balance influence neuroplasticity (and vice versa), with a particular emphasis on neurostructural changes in the hypothalamus. We also work with pharmacological modulation of brain targets oftentimes associated with neuroplasticity, including NMDA receptors. See, for examples, Petersen et al., 2024 (Nature) and Fadahunsi et al., 2024 (Science Advances). Our work is supported by the European Research Council via the ERC Consolidator Program, and this current project aligns closely with this initiative.
Job Description
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team as part of a broader initiative to investigate neuroplasticity in the context of weight homeostasis, with the long-term goal of identifying therapeutic targets for sustainable weight loss. Candidates with experience in studying neuroplasticity, either in vitro or in animal models, will be particularly well-suited for this role. This project is conducted in close collaboration with Associate Professor Joseph Rogers. Accordingly, we also encourage candidates with a background in drug discovery, particularly those capable of bridging the research between the Clemmensen Group and the Rogers Lab, to apply. This project may also involve evaluating commercial potential of new discoveries. Importantly, while we are open to translational outcomes such as intellectual property development and spin-out opportunities, we remain firmly committed to scientific excellence. Dissemination of results in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals is a top priority and will not be compromised in favour of commercialization.
Profile
The Postdoc fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic biomedicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with integrative research approaches within the broad area of neuroscience, basic cardiometabolic research with an application toward human pathophysiology.
Required qualifications:
- PhD in Neuroscience, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or related sciences
- Excellent scientific track record in relation to career stage (relevant publications in peer reviewed journals)
- Profound knowledge and documented expertise in advanced neurobiology techniques in rodents
- Knowledge on energy metabolism and obesity
- Experience with rodent surgeries
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral
Eligibility
The Postdoc fellowships within the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program are open for applicants with a PhD degree awarded from a university outside of Denmark. The program is also open for applicants with a Danish PhD degree who can document at least 12 months of full-time research experience from outside Denmark during or after the PhD studies. The PhD degree has to be obtained before February 1, 2026. You are not eligible to apply for the program if you have been employed in a postdoctoral position for more than one year at the University of Copenhagen prior to the commencement of the fellowship.
Terms of Employment
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 3 years. Starting date is February 1, 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.
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor at chc@sund.ku.dk. Questions regarding the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program must be directed to Senior Advisor Sarah Christoffersen at sarah.christoffersen@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.
The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.
Application Procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply now’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate. In case the PhD has not yet been completed, a written statement from the supervisor is acceptable, confirming it will be obtained before February 1, 2026.
- List of publications
- References (name and contact details of at least two references)
Application Deadline: September 21, 2025, 23.59 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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.
The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
_The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds._
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.
Contact
Christoffer Clemmensen
E-mail: chc@sund.ku.dk
Info
Application deadline: 21-09-2025
Employment start: 01-02-2026
Working hours: Full time
Department/Location: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research