Postdoc in cardiac sarcomere biology at Department of Biomedical Sciences Full-time

Postdoc In Cardiac Sarcomere Biology

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position to commence 1st May 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter). The project will focus on cardiac sarcomere biology, virtual high-throughput screening of sarcomeric proteins, and development of innovative in vitro assays for target validation. Specifically, the successful candidate will investigate how molecular changes in the cardiac sarcomere contribute to heart disease and exploit this knowledge to identify novel small-molecule modulators using virtual high-throughput screening. The postdoc will integrate in silico/AI screening with state-of-the-art in vitro biophysical and cellular assays to validate and characterize promising compounds.

Our group studies the molecular mechanisms governing cardiac sarcomere function in health and disease, with a particular focus on myosin regulation, contractile energetics and sarcomere-based therapeutics. We combine structural and biophysical approaches with advanced cellular and tissue models, and collaborate closely with computational chemists and clinicians to accelerate translation towards new treatments for heart failure and cardiomyopathies. The team is international and interdisciplinary, with expertise spanning cardiac physiology, myosin and thin-filament biology, assay development and drug discovery. We value teamwork, open scientific exchange and an inclusive work environment that supports career development for early-career researchers.

Your main task will be to drive a project that links cardiac sarcomere biology with virtual high-throughput screening and functional assay development. You will work with structural and sequence information on sarcomeric proteins (e.g. myosin and regulatory components) to define druggable sites, perform and interpret virtual screening campaigns in collaboration with computational partners, and prioritize candidate compounds for experimental testing. You will design, establish and optimize in vitro assays to assess compound effects on sarcomere function, which may include biochemical ATPase or motility assays, biophysical readouts, high-content imaging. You will be responsible for coordinating collaborations, supervising students where relevant, presenting results at international meetings and preparing manuscripts and grant contributions.

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

• You have a PhD in in biomedical sciences, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, computational chemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• You are highly experienced in protein biochemistry, biophysical assays (e.g., ATPase, motility, fluorescence-based assays), or computational modeling/drug screening techniques.
• You have an active interest in cardiac sarcomere biology, heart failure mechanisms, or small-molecule drug discovery for contractile disorders.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

• Experience with virtual high-throughput screening (vHTS) platforms, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications as co-author or first author.
• Hands-on experience developing in vitro assays for sarcomeric proteins (e.g., ATPase, motility, or high-content imaging assays), evidenced by contributions to related projects or first-author papers.
• Prior work with cardiac disease models or protein structure-function studies, such as publications on sarcomere biology or heart failure.

The place of employment is at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, 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 state-of-the-art techniques.

The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 2 years, starting May 1st, 2026 or soon after.

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. Depending on seniority the monthly salary starts between 34,800 – 41.300 DKK/approx. 4,660 – 5,530 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % 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.

For further information please contact Julien Ochala; julien.ochala@sund.ku.dk

Your online 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.

Deadline for applications: 16th February 2026, 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.

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 https://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.

Online interviews are expected to be held beginning of March 2026. The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.