Postdoctoral Position in Gut-Brain Electrophysiology and Sensory Perception
The Section for Movement and Neuroscience, Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position to study the connection between sensory perception and gut-brain interactions. The postdoc will work on a project that will develop and test experimental methods that quantify the effect of slow gastric oscillations on human perception and cognition. (For more info, see: https://lundbeckfonden.com/en/mind-the-gut-the-gastric-rhythm-as-a-scaffold-conscious-perception). The position is open from 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
About Us
The Movement & Neuroscience research group is part of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports (NEXS). The group's research focuses on neural mechanisms of motor control, body-brain interactions, and brain plasticity.
Job Description:
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project investigating the temporal dynamics of gut-brain interactions. The project aims to advance our understanding of how visceral rhythms influence sensory perception and is funded by the Lundbeck Foundation (Lundbeck Experiment Grant; PI: Anke Karabanov). As part of this project, the postdoc will develop and implement a novel method to present sensory stimuli time-locked to the gastric cycle, conduct experiments involving electrogastrography (EGG), electroencephalography (EEG), and behavioral paradigms, and apply signal processing and machine learning techniques to analyze neural and physiological data. In addition to the research tasks, the postdoc will contribute to the research environment at NEXS through participation in research seminars and scientific discussions. The postdoc will also take an active role in the co-supervision of bachelor's and master’s students and has the possibility to expand their teaching portfolio by contributing to the section’s teaching responsibilities in courses relating to human neurophysiology.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have a combination of the following qualifications:
• A PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in human electrophysiology (EEG, EGG, or MEG) data collection and analysis.
• Background in experimental design in cognitive neuroscience or psychophysics.
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, R, C/C++, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with Bayesian statistics and machine learning.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
We encourage applications from candidates who meet most, but not necessarily all, of these criteria, as we value diverse skill sets and perspectives.
Further information on the section, research group, and research project can be found online:
Section: https://nexs.ku.dk/english/research/movement-neuroscience/
Research Group: https://nexs.ku.dk/english/research/movement-neuroscience/motor-control-and-neuroplasticity/
Project: https://lundbeckfonden.com/mind-the-gut-the-gastric-rhythm-as-a-scaffold-conscious-perception
Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Anke Ninija Karabanov, Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, e-mail: anke@nexs.ku.dk, direct phone: +45 27120129
Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years and the starting date for employment is 1 August 2025 or soon thereafter.
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 35,715 kr/approx. EUR 4,788 (April 2025-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The University of Copenhagen will pay an additional 18.07 % 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 the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of 28 June 2013.
Application procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- A cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience.
- A CV including a full list of publications.
- A certified/signed copy of PhD certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
- Contact information for at least two references.
- Relevant academic transcripts.
The deadline for applications is 18 May 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews will be held in June 2025.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. Afterward, an assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the selected applications. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee, and the final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee and the interview committee.
The University of Copenhagen wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes 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.