Researcher in leveraging plasma proteomics Full-time

Researcher Position in Plasma Proteomics

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic researcher with expertise in sample preparation, analysis, and interpretation of plasma proteomics to work in the Deshmukh Group.

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.

CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at PANUM since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our goal is to investigate how diet and exercise alter intra- and intercellular communication and hence the metabolism. We employ Mass-Spectrometry-based proteomics to study cellular communication and uncover new insights into metabolic diseases, and strategies for their prevention and treatment.

This project aims to improve our understanding of how gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) develops and how it is detected by studying proteins in blood samples collected throughout pregnancy. Blood proteins reflect how different organs in the body function and respond to metabolic changes. By longitudinally profiling plasma proteomes from nearly 2,000 pregnancies in Denmark, Finland, and Tanzania, this project will identify early protein patterns that signal increased risk of GDM and related complications for mothers and their children.

Your responsibilities will be coordinating the collaboration between hospitals and the Deshmukh group to develop data management plans, retrieve samples, process/prepare samples for LC-MS/MS, carrying out all computational analysis of the project, and writing manuscripts. This includes proteomic trajectory modeling and prediction modeling. In addition, the tasks include coordinating legal agreements, budgets, data generation and transfer between the project partners and supervising students and coordinating other researchers.

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

• PhD in biomedical/health sciences, bioinformatics or similar.
• Minimum of four years of Postdoc experience.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• High level of proficiency in programming and experience in applying statistical methods to proteomic data (preferably in the statistical programming language R).
• Extensive experience with large scale plasma proteomics sample preparation
• Experience working with high performance computer clusters, particularly with using mass spectrometry software (e.g., Spectronaut, DIANN)
• Experience with various types of post-proteomic analyses and integration with open-source resources (e.g., cell type enrichment, linking to disease risk, and genetic colocalization).
• Knowledge of physiology and molecular mechanisms in relation to metabolic disease development (i.e., GDM).
• The ability to interpret and communicate proteomic results in a physiological and clinical setting together with clinicians.
• Previous experience in working with hospital biobanks and sensitive patient data.
• Experience in coordinating hospital-university-industry collaborations, including legal agreements.
• Interest in teaching and supervision of students and other researchers at different levels.
• Proven track record showing scientific productivity in peer reviewed journals.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.

The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

The employment as researcher is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is September 1, 2026, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the 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 the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.