Staff Scientist to the Gerhart-Hines Group, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen Full-time

Staff Scientist Position

We are seeking a Staff Scientist to join the Gerhart-Hines Group to assist in designing and driving studies related to interrogating adipose tissue biology from in vitro mouse and human cells to in vivo mouse models. The start date is 1 September 2026 or after agreement.

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 Gerhart-Hines Group is broadly interested in how neuronal, hormonal, nutrient, and bioenergetic signaling pathways collectively orchestrate systemic energy homeostasis and defend metabolic health. We explore coordination between peripheral and central homeostatic pathways through a combinatorial approach that brings together gene, protein, metabolite, and lipid profiling with cutting-edge in vivo physiological phenotyping and pharmacological engineering. Through this comprehensive approach, we believe we are poised to make transformative breakthroughs in the fundamental understanding of metabolic adaptation and to develop these findings into innovative strategies for counteracting cardiometabolic disease.

Your tasks will be focused on experimental work to interrogate adipocyte biology using both mouse and human models and will evolve with ongoing projects and your expertise.

Tasks will include:

• Design, execution, and documentation of gain- and loss-of-function studies in mouse and human adipocytes using pharmacological, genetic, and viral approaches (e.g. CRISPR-based manipulation, AAV/lentiviral delivery).
• Generation, culture, and phenotypic characterization of advanced 2D and 3D adipose cell models, including adipose organoids derived from mouse and human progenitors.
• Coordination of in vitro and in vivo adipocyte experiments in mouse models, including tissue collection, ex vivo functional assays, and molecular analyses (e.g. gene and protein expression profiling).
• Continuous refinement and development of protocols for adipocyte differentiation, organoid culture, and functional readouts to improve robustness, throughput, and translational relevance.
• Data processing, quality control, and quantitative analysis of experimental outputs, in close collaboration with group members and external collaborators.
• Training and day-to-day support of students, postdocs, and technical staff in adipocyte-related methods and laboratory best practices.

You will work closely with other members of the Gerhart-Hines Group and CBMR, and your time will primarily be spent in laboratory facilities at the Maersk Tower with occasional work in associated core facilities.

We are looking for a highly motivated and technically strong scientist with the following competencies and experience.

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, cell biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Documented hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including differentiation and functional analysis of adipocytes or closely related cell types.
• Practical experience with genetic and/or viral manipulation of cells (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9, RNAi, overexpression systems, AAV or lentiviral vectors).
• Strong experimental skills in assay design, troubleshooting, and quantitative data analysis.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• A collaborative mindset, strong sense of responsibility for shared projects, and enthusiasm for supporting a dynamic research environment.

You will have an advantage if you fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

• Experience with 3D cell culture systems and/or development of organoid models, ideally in adipose or metabolic tissues.
• Experience with in vivo studies in mouse models of metabolism or obesity; FELASA (or equivalent) certification for animal experimentation is desirable.
• Familiarity with molecular and imaging-based readouts relevant to adipocyte biology (e.g. lipolysis assays, lipid staining, mitochondrial or thermogenic markers).
• Experience in mentoring or training students and junior researchers in the laboratory.

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.

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

Employment will be in accordance with The Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning Academics in the state sector concluded between the Danish Ministry of Finance and Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), with a possibility to negotiate supplements due to qualifications and experience.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Zach Gerhart-Hines at zpg@sund.ku.dk.

For info about the employment process, please contact HR Nørre: hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.

Your online application must be submitted in Danish or English via the 'Apply now' 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 28 June 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.