Postdoctoral Researcher in Nutrition, Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS) Part-time

Postdoctoral Researcher Position

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the ON LiMiT study (Optimal Non-Pharmacological Lifestyle Modifications in People with Type 2 Diabetes), a large multicentre randomized controlled trial investigating dietary and exercise strategies for type 2 diabetes remission. The successful candidate will contribute to both the scientific leadership and practical execution of the project, working closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, physicians, dietitians, and students.

This is a fixed-term, 3-year position anchored within the research group Lifecourse Nutrition and Health, under the supervision of Prof. Faidon Magkos. This position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to one of the largest lifestyle intervention studies in type 2 diabetes conducted in Denmark while developing an independent research profile in nutrition, metabolism, and clinical intervention research.

The research group Lifecourse Nutrition and Health within the section Nutrition and Health is a part of Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg. We focus on the impact of nutrition on health and disease prevention in specific life stages, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adults with obesity. We conduct randomized controlled trials with foods and nutrients, measure dietary intake and body composition by gold standard methods, collect and analyze blood samples and conduct various other assessments of health and development.

Key responsibilities for this job:

• Lead and participate in participant recruitment, screening, enrolment, and follow-up.
• Conduct clinical study visits and metabolic phenotyping procedures.
• Perform venous cannulation, blood collection, sample processing, and biobanking procedures.
• Conduct Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests (OGTTs) and associated blood sampling.
• Perform indirect calorimetry measurements to assess resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation.
• Assist with anthropometry, body composition assessments, physiological testing, and other study-related measurements.
• Ensure high-quality data collection in accordance with study protocols, GCP principles, and ethical guidelines.

Dietary intervention and participant support:

• Provide individual and group-based dietary counselling and behavioural support.
• Develop educational materials and contribute to the delivery of dietary intervention components.
• Monitor dietary adherence and support participants in implementing prescribed dietary strategies.
• Collaborate with dietitians and clinical staff to optimize participant engagement and retention.

Scientific and academic responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and quality assurance of clinical research procedures.
• Manage and analyse clinical, nutritional, physiological, and biochemical datasets.
• Perform statistical analyses and contribute to interpretation of study findings.
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Participate in grant writing and development of future research projects.
• Supervise MSc students, research assistants, and junior researchers.
• Contribute to the overall scientific development of the research group.

Qualifications required:

• PhD in Human Nutrition, Metabolism, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences, Endocrinology, or a related discipline.
• Registered Clinical Dietitian or equivalent qualification enabling provision of dietary counselling.
• Experience conducting human intervention studies and clinical research.
• Competence in venous cannulation, blood sampling, and biological sample processing.
• Experience with metabolic testing techniques such as indirect calorimetry, glucose tolerance testing, or related methodologies.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Place of employment:

The place of employment is at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, a research kitchen and examination facilities for children and adults.

Terms of employment:

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 36 months (i.e., 3 years). The starting date is 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible 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 39,993 DKK/approx. 5,360 EUR (August 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.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.