Research Assistant in Synaptic Neurobiology at the Department of Neuroscience Full-time

Research Assistant Position

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent Research Assistant to support an ongoing research project investigating local presynaptic protein synthesis and synaptic plasticity using Drosophila melanogaster. The position is available from 22 October 2026 for a fixed-term period of 6 months.

The Walter Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission, homeostatic plasticity, and synaptic resilience using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system. Current projects focus on local protein synthesis at presynaptic terminals, its regulation during homeostatic plasticity, and its role in neurodegenerative disease models.

You will join an ongoing project investigating local presynaptic protein synthesis during homeostatic plasticity and neurodegeneration.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Performing Drosophila genetics and fly husbandry.
• Maintaining experimental fly stocks.
• Dissections of third instar larval neuromuscular junctions.
• Immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assays (PLA).
• Puromycin-based assays to quantify local protein synthesis.
• Confocal fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Supporting ongoing projects investigating synaptic plasticity and local translation in models of neurodegenerative disease.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications.

Essential qualifications:

• Master's degree in Neuroscience or a related Life Sciences discipline.
• Documented hands-on experience with Drosophila melanogaster genetics and fly husbandry.
• Documented experience with dissections of third instar larval neuromuscular junctions.
• Documented experience with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience with quantitative image analysis.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with proximity ligation assays (PLA).
• Experience with puromycin-based assays for protein synthesis.
• Previous research experience in synaptic transmission, homeostatic plasticity, or local protein synthesis.

The place of employment is the Walter Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer a highly collaborative international research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities for advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, and quantitative neurobiology.

Terms of employment:

• Average weekly working hours: 37 hours
• Fixed-term position for 6 months
• Starting date: 22 October 2026

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and pay are governed by the collective agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) concerning Academics in the State. Salary supplements may be negotiated based on qualifications.

You can find more information about salary levels in the Danish state sector on this page.

Your application should be submitted in English and include:

• Letter of motivation (maximum one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of relevant educational certificates