Researcher in molecular and physiological regulation of muscle glycogen degradation using novel preclinical models
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen
We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Researcher with extensive expertise in analysis of biochemical characterization of enzymes related to muscle glycogen metabolism and in vivo regulation substrate metabolism using isotope tracers to work in the Sakamoto Group. The position is a 2-year position to start January 1, 2025, or after agreement.
Background
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 from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, 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. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.
CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been in the Maersk Tower at PANUM since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.
Our group and research
The Sakamoto Group aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying cellular energy sensing and restoration of metabolic balance. We study how post-translational modifications (e.g., reversible phosphorylation) and allosteric regulation of signalling proteins/metabolic enzymes control cellular energy balance and how dysfunctions of such molecular processes lead to cardiometabolic diseases.
Project description
The project aims to elucidate molecular and physiological mechanism by which skeletal muscle glycogen degradation is controlled through allosteric ligands and reversible phosphorylation. The project employs various novel genetic models carrying a point mutation involved in allosteric ligand binding- or phosphorylation-dependent control of muscle glycogen phosphorylase, a rate-controlling enzyme in glycogen degradation. The project takes a multi-faceted approach, including structure-guided mutagenesis, in vitro enzyme kinetics analysis and in vivo measurement of substrate utilization using isotope tracers and various genetic preclinical models.
Your job
Your responsibilities will include carrying out all major biochemical and physiological analyses of the project: performing in vitro kinetics analysis and wild-type and mutant enzymes, and extensive ex vivo skeletal muscle and whole-body/in vivo metabolic phenotyping of various genetically modified animal models, as well as in vivo measurement of substrate utilization using isotope tracers. In addition, the tasks include coordination/management of several internal and external collaborations and supervision of students and other researchers.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and qualifications:
- PhD in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, cell signalling, physiology or similar.
- Minimum of three years of postdoc experience.
- Extensive experience with protein biochemistry (e.g., in vitro enzyme kinetics analysis), skeletal muscle physiology/metabolism and its related analysis (using ex vivo and in vivo systems).
- Comprehensive hands-on experience in conducting in vivo preclinical studies and metabolic phenotyping (e.g., particularly in rodents) and analysing/interpreting the data.
- In-depth hands-on experience and knowledge related to in vivo analysis of substrate utilization in response to exercise using isotope tracers.
- Strong project and stakeholder (e.g., external collaborator) management skills.
- Interest in teaching and supervision of students and other researchers at various career stages.
- Proven track record showing excellent scientific productivity in peer reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
Place of employment
The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.
Terms of employment
The employment as Researcher is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is January 1, 2025.
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.
Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of 2020.
Questions
For further information please contact Professor Kei Sakamoto at email kei.sakamoto@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at email SUND-HR-CBMR@sund.ku.dk.
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:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate.
- List of publications
Application deadline: October 25, 2024, at 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. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
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.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates 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.