Postdoc in Deciphering the Oral–Liver Axis: Integrative Cross-Organ Multi-Omics Analysis Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow Position

The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral fellow to commence on November 15, 2026, or after agreement in the Hansen 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.

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 situated in the Maersk Tower at Panum since 2017. CBMR has around 260 employees creating an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

In the molecular understanding of metabolic diseases, a major gap exists between basic genetic and microbiome discoveries and their impact on physiology and the potential for clinical translation. The Hansen Group aims to bridge this gap by connecting genomic discoveries and epidemiology with physiology and clinical application. To study the role of selected genetic variants in human metabolism, we perform physiology and intervention studies based on recruit-by-genotype principles. We also investigate families and populations with extreme metabolic phenotypes and perform physiology and intervention studies. Finally, we investigate targeted clinical management of carriers of selected high-impact variations in the human genome. The Hansen group offers an international and supportive work environment, where teamwork and diversity are considered key factors to our successful research within relevant research fields.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to join a translational project in the Hansen group, bridging two major research initiatives in oral and liver health. The project integrates human genetics, salivary microbiome and metaproteomics, and longitudinal clinical data to uncover causal mechanisms and biomarkers along the oral–liver axis. The project requires a computationally oriented postdoctoral researcher with strong expertise in the analysis and integration of large-scale biological datasets. The candidate will primarily focus on computational analysis, multi-omics integration, and biological interpretation of complex datasets.

We value curiosity, openness, and strong personal relationships, and aim to foster an environment where early-career researchers can grow independently while engaging closely with clinicians and method experts. In this collaborative context, the successful candidate will work with interdisciplinary teams to integrate expertise across oral health, liver disease, and multi-omics research.

To learn more about the two key research initiatives the role would be involved with, see here: CARPE DIEM and LOTUS Biomarker.

The postdoc fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with integrative research approaches within the broad area of basic cardiometabolic research with an application towards human pathophysiology.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistical genetics, systems biology, or a related field
• Excellent scientific track record in relation to career stage
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary collaborations, engaging with researchers across biological, clinical, and computational domains
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale integrative omics data analysis, with expertise in one or more of the following areas: human genetics (GWAS, Mendelian randomization, colocalization), proteomics data analysis, and/or metagenomics
• Familiarity with longitudinal data analysis, causal inference methods, and network or pathway analysis
• Ability to translate computational and statistical findings into biologically meaningful insights
• Experience working in close collaboration with multiple research platforms
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in English, both written and oral
• Project management and coordination skills

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 November 15, 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.

The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years. Starting date is November 15, 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.

When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

For further information about the position, please contact Sarah Grant, Research Coordinator (Hansen Group). For questions regarding the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program must be directed to Senior Advisor Sarah Christoffersen. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR.

Your online application must be submitted in English via the 'Apply for position' 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 confirming the PhD degree will be obtained before November 15, 2026, is necessary.
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application Deadline: August 10, 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 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.