Six-year Optical Microscopy Specialist position at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), section for Glycobiology Full-time

Staff Scientist Position

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN) at Faculty of Science, the University of Copenhagen, is looking for a highly motivated and technically skilled staff scientist for the development of a multimodal label-free optical microscope starting from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. The position will be for six years and is associated with the Plant Cellulose/Cell Biology research group (Professor Staffan Persson) at the Glycobiology Section.

The Multimodal & Modular Microscopy (M3) platform is a newly established initiative at the Center for Advanced Bioimaging (CAB), Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), funded from a Villum Infrastructure grant. M3 brings together custom-built advanced imaging systems, including: Rotating Coherent Scattering (ROCS) microscopy, Brillouin microscopy integrated with digital holography, confocal interferometric scattering (iSCAT), into a unified, modular platform for label-free and multimodal imaging of living systems. The platform bridges optical physics and biological research, with a particular focus on mechanobiology and cell dynamics.

The successful candidate will work within a highly cross-disciplinary environment spanning experimental biophysics, biology, computational biology, and biochemistry, in close collaboration with researchers at PLEN, the Niels Bohr Institute, the Department of Biology, Department of Computer Science and CAB's existing microscopy infrastructure and the user community.

Your task will include:

• Execute bioimaging solutions outlined by M3's PIs.
• Implement state-of-the-art multimodal optical microscopy platform instruments, integrating modalities within the M3 framework.
• Contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of the M3 platform (maintenance, user training, documentation)
• Contribute to software control for data acquisition and analysis.
• Support infrastructure developments.

We expect:

• Previous work experience in development of optical setups and custom-built microscopes.
• A MSc/PhD in optics, experimental physics and/or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and solve complex problems in custom optical systems.
• Experience with C++, Python, or MATLAB for instrument control and data acquisition
• Interest in working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Drive uptake of new inventions in optics and bioimaging.
• Hands-on experiences in development or working with holographic/ interferometric scattering microscopy as well as fluorescence and Brillouin microscopy and spectroscopy methods are a plus.
• Know-how of imaging and handling of biological samples is advantageous.
• Good English skills, written and spoken.

We offer:

• 6 years position.
• The possibility to engage in high-impact, multidisciplinary research.
• The opportunity to shape a brand-new platform from the ground up.
• A stimulating, diverse and international research environment and international collaborations.
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure.
• A supportive scientific and social network, including mentoring and career development.
• A competitive salary and social benefits.

The position is limited in time to 6 years (until 31 August 2031).

The employment and salary is made in accordance with the Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning academics in the state sector concluded between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Employment will be as academic employee (AC-TAP). The salary is based on seniority. Negotiation for salary supplement is possible. The working time are 37 hours per week on average. The working hours are flexible.

Copenhagen is ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, and the appointee can get extensive help from the International Mobility Center for relocation purposes.

If you find the job description interesting, please send an electronic application with attachment via Jobportalen no later than June 30th, 2026.

The application must include the following:

• Letter of application/motivation (max 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of relevant certificates/diplomas.

Interviews will take place mid-July, 2026.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect society and encourages applications irrespective of personal background.

Any questions about the position may be directed to Assistant Professor Guillermo Moreno Pescador.