Researcher in Pain Biology at the Department of Neuroscience

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We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Researcher with expertise in in vivo imaging, single cell RNA sequencing and pain biology in the Madsen Group. The position is a 2.5-year position to start July 1, 2025, or after agreement.

Our group and research
The research group started in 2013 and currently includes 1 Post Doc, 3 PhD students, 2 master students, a research assistant and a technician. Our research addresses fundamental aspects of basic pharmacology, molecular pharmacology and neuropharmacology, with certain translational aspects. The work is divided into three Work Packages each containing a number of specific projects. Work Package 1 is focused on the pharmacology of PSD95/Disc-large/ZO-1 homology (PDZ) mediated proteins-protein interaction and how these domains might represent new attractive pharmacological targets as alternatives to surface receptors. Translational aspects of the WP relate to PDZ inhibitors for treatment of pain and addiction. Work Package 2 seeks to understand the role of protein-membrane interactions in context of synaptic transmission and generation of Large Dense Core vesicles. It further explores the controversial idea that trafficking of receptors and transporters, which in many cases is strongly integrated with their pharmacology, is determined not only by protein-protein interactions, but also by yet unappreciated protein-lipid interactions that govern localization of the receptors and transporters to areas of high membrane curvature in the plasma membrane. Work Package 3 is aimed at obtaining fundamental new understanding of dopamine signalling processes in the brain and its relation to PKA signalling. Evidently, this has broad pharmacotherapeutic perspectives given the key role of dysfunctional dopamine signalling in many brain diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Parkinson's Disease and drug abuse.

Methodologically, we specialize in molecular biology, protein purification, receptor binding, advanced light microscopy, including live microscopy and fluorescence energy transfer microscopy (FRET), as well trafficking assays of integral membrane proteins using ELISA and confocal microscopy. We also have experience with transgenic mouse models and various behavioural readouts.

Project description
Chronic pain can arise in response to damage to the sensory neurons and has a devastating impact on quality of life. Current treatments, such as opioids, act in the brain and spinal cord to dampen amplified pain signaling but are ineffective and have high abuse liability. We have found a new way to target chronic pain in the sensory neurons without affecting normal pain sensation. The current project aims to improve our understanding of the mechanism with the strong ambition to improve pain treatment.

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor, Kenneth Lindegaard Madsen, Department of Neuroscience, kennethma@sund.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 23649401
Start: Date 01/07-2025
Duration: 2.5 years as a Researcher

Job description
Your responsibilities will include conducting single cell mRNA sequencing studies and performing in vivo imaging of the dorsal root ganglion in anaesthetized mice using multiphoton imaging. In addition, we favour experience with generating and maintaining mouse models, implementing various animal pain models, performing behavioral experiments, phenotypical characterization of genetic mouse models with focus on pain behavior and establishing in vivo imaging of neurons. Collaboration and coordination with researchers within the department and external collaborators will also be essential to drive the project forward effectively. Furthermore, you are expected to disseminate the results at seminars, international conferences and for the general public.

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

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years postdoctoral research experience
• Extensive experience in rodent pain models, particularly in conducting in vivo imaging experiments with transgenic and knockout mouse models, sequencing and strong knowledge of pain biology
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and design innovative research projects aligned with the group's focus areas
• International experience and a strong network within the pain field
• Proven leadership skills, including teaching and supervising students and researchers at various levels, along with strong project management
• Strong publication record, showcasing scientific productivity in peer-reviewed journals
• Proven track record of science communication skills for both scientific audiences and the general public

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and a highly collaborative working environment.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2.5 years. The starting date is the 1st of July 2025 or soon thereafter.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1% to your pension fund.

Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark in the last 10 years.

Questions
For further information please contact Assistant Professor Kenneth Lindegaard Madsen at kennethma@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR.
International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/.

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking 'Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate.
4. List of publications

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.

Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You find information about the recruitment process at: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 18.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe's top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.