Postdoctoral research fellow in taste receptor pharmacology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen
The Autzen Group is inviting applications for a postdoctoral research fellow in the pharmacology of taste receptors at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The successful candidate will use pharmacology and live-cell assays to characterize eukaryotic membrane proteins involved in taste.
The position is fully funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and is set to commence on 15th of October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is set for 1 year with the possibility of extension depending on project progress and funding.
Project overview
Taste shapes our dietary choices and protects us from harmful substances, yet the molecular mechanisms behind taste perception remain poorly understood. This project investigates the pharmacological properties of recombinant membrane-bound taste receptors to better understand how they recognize ligands and signals through molecular pathways. A central question regarding these proteins is which intracellular signaling networks they use. To address this, this project integrates a range of different pharmacological assays.
You will establish and develop pharmacological and live-cell assays to study the structure and function of taste receptors. This will yield unprecedented molecular insight into taste perception and delineate the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of an entire family of proteins. You will work closely with a PhD student and lab technician on the same project to form a collaborative team addressing the functional and structural aspects of recombinant taste receptors.
Our group and research
The postdoctoral fellow will join the Autzen Group, a young and vibrant research group that is focused on characterizing the activation and modulation of eukaryotic membrane proteins involved in a range of cellular pathways. For this, we use cryo-EM for high-resolution structural determination in combination with biochemical, biophysical, and pharmacological assays for functional characterization. The Autzen Group currently consists of six full-time members and is part of the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Read more about our group here:
https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molecular-and-translational-pharmacology/autzen-group/
What we offer
- A highly interdisciplinary and innovative project within a supportive research environment.
- An open and inclusive work and research environment with dedicated colleagues.
- Opportunities for mentorship, professional development and international collaboration.
The Autzen Group is built on community, trust, openness, honesty, and solidarity and strives to embody the scientific method, objectivity, and reproducibility. We value open science, knowledge and data sharing and science communication to a wider audience, ultimately bridging the gap between society and research. Read more about the Autzen Group and our core values on our website: www.autzenlab.com.
Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Henriette Elisabeth Autzen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Theme of Molecular and Translational Pharmacology, henriette.autzen (at) sund.ku.dk.
Start: 15/10-2025
Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with an interest in receptor pharmacology and the following competencies and experiences:
Essential competencies and experiences:
- A PhD in receptor pharmacology or a related field.
- Excellent scientific track record, including a first-author publication.
- Experience with heterologous expression.
- Experience with managing and coordinating various projects and stakeholders concurrently.
- Experience in data management and reporting.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and thrive when working as part of a team.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, with good interpersonal communication skills.
- High level of motivation, responsibility, and ability to work in a structured manner.
Your qualifications
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants are:
- Completed courses or research experience in protein structure and function, biochemistry, physical chemistry, pharmacology, and/or biophysics.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and employ new methods and tools.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- High level of motivation, responsibility, and ability to work in a structured manner.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of proteins.
Experience in several of the following topics is an advantage:
- Pharmacological assays (e.g., cell-based, ex vivo, or in vitro) and quantitative data analysis using GraphPad Prism, Python, or Jupyter Notebooks.
- Functional characterization of membrane proteins, including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
- Heterologous expression systems (e.g., HEK293, CHO cells) for recombinant protein characterization.
- Recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, and construct optimization.
- Experimental design and assay development for ligand screening and/or dose-response analysis.
- Collaboration across disciplines, including with structural biology or biophysics-focused team members.
- Data documentation, management, and presentation in alignment with open science practices.
Place of employment
You will work at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen within the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology. Home to six labs specializing in G protein-coupled receptors, our theme hosts an international and interdisciplinary workplace, offering a vibrant, creative, and innovative research environment. Read more about our theme and individual groups here: https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molecular-and-translational-pharmacology/
Living in Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and Copenhagen is regularly rated one of the best cities to live in, especially for international researchers. Whether you are into ancient sculptures or contemporary art, opera or heavy metal, Copenhagen is ready to teach, inspire and entertain. Furthermore, with an extensive public transportation system, beautiful, tranquil nature is only minutes away from the city center. [Improved style and tone for international audience]
For more information on working and living in Denmark, visit University of Copenhagen’s website on International Staff Mobility and WorkinDenmark:
For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term appointment for 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The start date is October 2025 or as soon as possible 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 38.700DKK/approx. 5.180 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.
Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Henriette E. Autzen, henriette.autzen(at)sund.ku.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:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, work and research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. one page).
- A certified and signed copy of 1) PhD certificate and 2) Master of Science certificate. If you are yet to complete your PhD, a written statement from your supervisor or institution is accepted.
- List of publications.
Application deadline
August 10th, 2025, 23.59pm CET
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. The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant may comment on the part of the assessment that relates to themself.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
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.