Staff Scientist for Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Platform Full-time NEW

Respirometry Expert for the Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Platform

We are seeking a Staff Scientist to join the Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Platform (RMPP). You will provide expert technical support for our users and assist in the planning and performance of protocols related to respirometry on a scale from cell to animal. You will also assist in the refinement and development of experimental setups for mitochondrial phenotyping. The start date is June 1, 2026, or after agreement.

About Us

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 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 the Panum building since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

The Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Platform (RMPP) assists the researchers at CBMR by offering specialized technical assistance and by offering support and access to equipment for metabolic phenotyping, including metabolic cages and digital ventilated cages. We constantly work towards expanding our catalogue of services and familiarizing ourselves with the newest technological developments in our field. Our team currently consists of three technicians, four staff scientists, and one platform head.

Your Tasks

Your tasks will be varied and depend on the needs of our users and your expertise/previous experience. Tasks will include:

• Assist users in the design and performance of experiments to measure oxygen consumption rate in 2D and 3D cell cultures, isolated mitochondria, and permeabilized tissue biopsies, as well as in the interpretation of the results.
• Perform high-resolution respirometry and fluororespirometry using the Oroboros Oxygraph-2k to measure mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential, calcium handling, and reactive oxygen species production.
• Continuously refine and develop existing protocols to be able to include more different biological models, produce more consistent results, and improve animal welfare.
• Perform complementary assays to measure other parameters relevant to mitochondrial function.
• Assist in QC, data analysis, and troubleshooting for the Sable Promethion indirect calorimetry systems.

We expect the Respirometry expert to spend approximately 75% of their time on Respirometry experiments and 25 % on the analysis/QC of the Sables system data. You will work with the rest of the RMPP team, with researchers, technicians, and students from CBMR and other departments at the University of Copenhagen, and with the animal caretakers from the Center for Core Facilities. Your time will be split between CBMR offices in the Mærsk Tower and the Animal Facility.

Profile

Required qualifications:

• You have an MSc/PhD in biology, veterinary medicine, biomedicine, or a related field
• You are accredited to perform animal experiments, with a FELASA EU function ABD license or similar
• You have hands-on experience in performing in vitro mitochondrial characterization in both Seahorse XF and Oroboros Oxygraph-2k
• You are fluent in written and spoken English
• You are eager to learn and interested in using advanced models for respirometry

You have an advantage if you fulfill one or more of the following additional criteria:

• You have hands-on experience in mitochondrial characterization assays such as quantification of mitochondrial abundance (CS activity assay, mtDNA/nDNA ratio), NAD+/NADH quantification, Malate-Aspartate shuttle activity assay, etc.
• You have previously worked with animal models for metabolic disorders
• You have previous experience in indirect calorimetry

Place of Employment

The place of employment is the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of Employment

The employment is full-time position for two years. The expected starting date is June 1, 2026, or after agreement.

Employment will be as Academic Research Officer or Academic Research Consultant in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), with a possibility to negotiate supplements due to qualifications and experience.

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact platform manager Morten Dall: dall@sund.ku.dk. For info about the employment process, please contact SUND HR CBMR: hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.

Application Procedure

Your online application must be submitted in Danish or English via the 'Apply for position' link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• A CV, including information about education level, previous employment, and technical skills
• Information about language skills
• A copy of your diploma

Deadline is April 24, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.