Cell biologist (AC-TAP) for investigation of disease mechanisms and the effects of new potential treatments in Parkinson’s Disease Full-time NEW

Cell Biologist (AC-TAP) for Investigation of Disease Mechanisms and the Effects of New Potential Treatments in Parkinson's Disease

The Department of Biomedicine at the Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, is seeking a technical-administrative employee (AC-TAP) from 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is an event-restricted full-time role focused on investigating disease mechanisms and efficacy testing of small molecules in relevant cellular models for Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The expected duration of the position is approximately 12 months.

The Department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research.

Your Job Responsibilities

In this position, you will be responsible for setting up and analysing cellular experiments with the aim of increasing knowledge about the underlying disease mechanisms in Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, as well as performing efficacy testing of small molecules — all with the overall objective of transforming scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients. Your experimental work will support several ongoing research projects at the Department of Biomedicine and will include:

• Development, optimization, and execution of cell-based assays in established Parkinson's disease cell models
• Planning and conducting experiments focused on disease mechanisms and the effects of new small molecules
• Analysis of disease-related pathology using immunocytochemistry and Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA), including microscopy and image analysis
• Performing live cell imaging (e.g., calcium measurements using Fluo-4, lysosomal markers, and other fluorescent probes)
• Analysis of protein expression and modifications using Western blotting
• Analysis of gene expression using quantitative PCR (qPCR)
• Quantification and processing of experimental results, as well as contributions to reporting and documentation

You will report to Professor Poul Henning Jensen.

Your Competences

You have a Master's degree within life sciences (a PhD is an advantage). In addition, you have:

• Solid hands-on experience with cell culture, including immortalized cell lines – ideally in a preclinical or translational context
• Expertise in establishing and studying primary neuronal cultures from mice.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and quantification of cellular data
• Experience with relevant molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting and qPCR)
• Experience with live cell imaging and fluorescent probes is an advantage
• Experience with development and maintenance of SOPs
• Ability to independently plan and drive experimental work

As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

Terms of Employment

Terms of employment and pay are regulated by the collective agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and Academics in the State (AC).

Application

Your application must include the following:

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Indication of education (a copy of the diplomas should be uploaded)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the recruitment system

We refer to the faculty's Guideline for applicants. Aarhus University's ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University's recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.