PhD student in Experimental diabetes research

Department of biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen

The Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Deparment of Biology invites applicants for a PhD project in Alpha cell physiology and diabetes development. The project is part of the research project PARAlpha, which is financed by The European Research Council.

Start date is 1st of May 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

About us
We are located at the Department of Biology, and the section from cell biology and physiology in UCPH north campus. The section consists of 11 groups with a broad interest in basic understanding of cell biology and physiology as well as molecular disease mechanisms (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cbp/).

Our research
We are interested in the fundamental mechanisms that control secretion of the hormone glucagon from pancreatic alpha cells, and how changes in alpha cell function contribute to the regulation of whole-body metabolism and physiology. We work on cell cultures, primary tissue from genetically modified mouse models and human donors. Using biochemical assays, live cell time lapse microscopy and in-situ perfusion, combined with in vivo experiments we explore how alpha cell function is regulated.

Your job
We are looking for individuals interested in exploring alpha cell biology in the context of whole body phsyioilogy. As a PhD student you will participate in a project, in close collaboration with a Postdoc, where we will investigate kinase signaling in alpha cells. The aim of the project is to integrate the mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion. As part of the project, you will directly work with the generation of viral constructs and use live cell FRET imaging to understand paracrine signaling in alpha cells. You will also participate in the maintenance of several colonies of genetically modified mice and design and perform in vivo experiments to understand the role of alpha cells in diabetes development.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher who, in addition to the desired expertise stated above, has the following skills and qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• MSc in cell in Biochemistry, biology or similar.
• Experience with live cell confocal microscopy
• Expertise in calcium imaging analysis
• Proven track record showing scientific productivity with at least pending publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Principal supervisor isJakob G Knudsen, Departments of biology, E-mail [email protected].

The PhD programme
To be eligible for the PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Biology, physiology or biochemistry. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

***************************************************************************
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• 2 page Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
• Publication list (if possible)
• Reference letters (if available)

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 14-02-2025

Ansættelsesdato: 01-05-2025

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Biologisk Institut