Postdoctoral Position in Exercise-induced Metabolites and Their Role in Metabolic Health

The Molecular Metabolism and Metabolomics group, Department of Bicohemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from talented candidates interested in exercise physiology, functional metabolomics and small-molecule signaling to join our team as a postdoctoral researcher. The position is for 2.5 years, available from January 1 st , 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant research environment led by Prof. Nils J. Færgeman. The group currently consist of academic staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and bachelor and master students. Our research focuses on understanding metabolic regulation and signaling at both molecular and systemic levels, aiming at unraveling how metabolism of nutrients and metabolites is controlled.

This project aims to uncover how specific exercise-induced metabolites regulates systemic metabolism and their role in improving metabolic health in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The successful candidate will utilize LC/MS-based functional metabolomics, proteomics, cell-based functional studies, and advanced receptor screening and ligand-binding assays.

We Offer:

• 2.5-year postdoc position within a stimulating, supportive, and dynamic research environment.
• Opportunity for career development and expanding your scientific skill sets within project management, teaching, mentoring, research dissemination, networking, manuscript drafting etc.
• Engagement in cutting-edge research in an emerging area of metabolism, with high potential for discovery and future applications.
• Application of advanced methodologies within metabolomics and phosphoproteomics/proteomics, as well as advanced GCPR receptor ligand screening and second messenger assays.
• Involvement in translational research based on an advanced human intervention study, utilizing both in vivo animal models and in vitro cell-based systems.
• Opportunities for research exchanges to international and national collaborating institutions.
• Access to state-of-the art equipment, advanced workflows, and robust infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning, executing, and managing wet-lab experiments and data analyses, including advanced biocomputational workflows.
• Supporting other projects within the group and mentoring students.
• The possibility to contribute to teaching and dissemination activities within the department.
• Manuscript writing and publishing high-impact papers.
• Presenting research findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to fostering a positive and motivating group environment as an active team member.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, Human Physiology, Computational Systems Biology or similar fields.
• Proven expertise in LC/MS based metabolomics and/or bioinformatic analyses of complex omics datasets.
• Prior experience in metabolic research involving humans, and/or experimental animals, and/or cell-based models.
• Knowledge of exercise physiology and metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, is advantageous.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and within a team.
• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Contact information:

For further information, please contact Prof. Nils J. Færgeman, .

Application, salary etc.

Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation .

Applications will be assessed by an expert committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

The application must include the following:

• A curriculum vitae
• A full list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Copies of all publications on which the applicant wishes to be evaluated
• A brief survey of the applicant's most important research results and research plans for the next three years

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link " Apply now ". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Since not all members of the appointment committee are Danish-speaking, it is recommended that your application is submitted in English.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.