Postdoc in Neuroendocrinology and Physiology

Job title: Postdoc in Neuroendocrinology and Physiology

Company: Københavns Universitet


Job description: Department of Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen is offering a Postdoc in Neuroendocrinology and Physiology commencing 01.11.2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.Description of the scientific environmentThe Halberg Lab at the University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team. We offer a dynamic, curiosity-driven research environment that is both international and collaborative, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and an extensive network of global collaborators. The position is fully funded for three years and is expected to begin in early 2026, although the start date is flexible for the right candidate.Our lab is broadly interested in how organ systems function and adapt, with a particular focus on the regulatory roles of endocrine signals such as neuropeptides and hormones. These messengers coordinate physiological processes by conveying information about the organism’s internal state or external environment, thereby enabling appropriate adaptive responses. To investigate these questions, we primarily use two model insects-Tribolium castaneum and Drosophila melanogaster-employing a wide range of genetic, molecular, and physiological techniques to manipulate the function of specific molecules, cells, or organs. This systems-level approach allows us to uncover the mechanisms by which organisms maintain homeostasis and adapt to stress. Our research not only addresses fundamental biological questions but also has applied relevance. By exploring unique physiological adaptations in insects, we aim to identify novel targets for species-specific pest control and generate insights that may be relevant for understanding human health and disease.For more information, see our lab homepage: https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/cell-neurobiology/the-neuroendocrinology-and-physiology-group/ or follow us on X: @HalbergLabDescriptionPostdoctoral Position in Osmoregulation, Endocrine Signaling, and Evolutionary PhysiologyAnimals continuously face harmful changes in ion and water balance as they interact with their environment. In order to survive, animals must be able to detect and respond to fluctuations in water and ion balance-core challenges for life in terrestrial environments. Insects, and beetles in particular, have evolved exceptional physiological strategies that enable survival across a wide range of ecological niches, including arid and extreme habitats. Our research focuses on how osmotic changes are sensed at the cellular level and communicated systemically through endocrine signaling pathways, with particular emphasis on how neuropeptides and hormones regulate water homeostasis, coordinate developmental timing, and remodel physiology under stress conditions such as desiccation and starvation.The successful postdoctoral researcher will lead efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing water balance in Tribolium castaneum, a powerful and ecologically relevant genetic model. The project will integrate single-cell transcriptomics, RNA interference, in situ hybridization, molecular and biochemical techniques, and live imaging of genetic reporters to identify and functionally characterize specific cell types and signaling pathways in key osmoregulatory organs, including the Malpighian tubules and the cryptonephridial complex. This position is part of a broader research program aimed at linking organ-specific physiological adaptations to evolutionary innovation. By uncovering the cellular and molecular basis of water conservation mechanisms in beetles, the project will provide new insights into how lineage-specific traits contribute to evolutionary success and ecological dominance. Moreover, the findings have strong translational potential in guiding the development of next-generation, species-specific strategies for sustainable insect pest control.Principal supervisor is Associate Professor, Kenneth Veland Halberg, Department of Biology, Kahalberg@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 26810458.Job descriptionThe position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks at SCIENCE are:

• To manage and carry through your research project
• Write scientific articles
• Teach and disseminate your research

• Work for the group and Department

Formal requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious person who possesses most or some of the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in Biology, Physiology, Molecular Biomedicine, Genetics, Biochemistry or related field.
• Good experience including skills and knowledge with insect physiology and endocrinology, or alternatively evolutionary developmental biology or comparative physiology.
• Good experience including skills and knowledge with genetics in non-Drosophila model insect species such as Tribolium castaneum. This does not exclude any candidates who worked with only Drosophila melanogaster as long as the candidates have experience with comparative physiology and/or evolutionary developmental biology.
• Outstanding experience including skills and knowledge with microdissection and/or surgical treatments in insects.
• Excellent ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
• Good interpersonal skills, well-organized and independency.
• Experience with supervision of student(s) and teaching.

Terms of employmentThe position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is the 1st of November 2025 or soon 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 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07% to your pension fund. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.Application ProcedureThe application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.Please include

• Cover Letter, stating your motivation and scientific background.
• CV
• List of publications in peer reviewed journals, teaching experience and so on
• Three contact infomatiuon for reference including job title, affiliation, email address and brief description of the relation with the applicant

Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.The deadline for applications is Monday 1 September, 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterwards an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and the above mentioned skills. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science. You can read more about the recruitment process at .QuestionsFor specific information about the PhD scholarship, please contact the principal supervisor Associate Professor, Kenneth Veland Halberg, Department of Biology, Kahalberg@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 26810458.General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd.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.

Expected salary:

Location: København

Job date: Sun, 06 Jul 2025 05:40:41 GMT

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