Postdoc in Developmental Neurobiology Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in the Barrett Group

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc to join the Barrett group from 15 September 2026 or thereafter.

Our group studies human brain development as well as dysfunction in disease using tractable human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models. In this project, we aim to elucidate mechanisms of transcriptional variation in neural systems. Specifically, the project involves the generation of human neural cell types from human iPSCs, single-cell RNA sequencing and analyses, CRISPR screening, and downstream cell biological approaches. The overall goal is to identify mechanisms which modulate transcript-level variability in neural cells and to manipulate variability to assess phenotypic impact. This project requires candidates to utilize a combination of both wet-lab and dry-lab approaches. The candidate will perform experiments in the laboratory, analyse and interpret data, prepare data for publication, as well as attend and present findings at seminars and conferences.

Start date: 15 September 2026 or thereafter.

Duration: 3 years

The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanisms of gene regulation, neurobiology or stem cell biology, and experience working with large datasets. Candidates should have a proven academic track record including contributions to high-quality publications and be able to drive independent research in a collaborative, dynamic environment.

Applicants must have a PhD in the biological or computational sciences, or a related field. Additionally, competitive candidates will have:

• Experience with mammalian stem cell culture as well as basic cell and molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, flow cytometry, western blot analysis)
• Experience with the generation and analysis of next-gen sequencing datasets
• Experience with programming languages (Python, R)
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas9 or related screening strategies
• Proficiency in English with strong written and oral communication skills

Employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, located in Central Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years, with the possibility of further extension. The start date is 15 September 2026 or upon agreement.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. 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 34.000 DKK/approx. 4.560 EUR (april 2026 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 specific information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Lindy Barrett.

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking 'Apply now' below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivated letter (max. one page) describing previous experience, and future career interests.
• CV incl. education, previous positions, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Full publication list including pre-prints
• Contact information for 2-3 references (incl. name, position, email, and phone number)
• Certified/signed copy of a) Master of Science certificate and b) PhD certificate. If PhD is not yet complete, please provide a written statement from the current supervisor.

Application deadline: 19 July 2026, 23.59pm CET

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.