Postdoctoral Fellow in Systems Motor Neuroscience

A 3-year postdoctoral fellowship is available in the laboratory of Professor Ole Kiehn at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The lab focus is to understand the mechanisms by which neurons and neuronal circuits operate and integrate to generate and control movements. The aim of the project is to investigate and understand the contribution of distinct supraspinal neuronal circuits to movement in mammals.

 

Scientific environment
This postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to work in a creative and international environment, focusing on functional operation of neuronal networks controlling movements as well as pathophysiological aspects of motor control at supraspinal and spinal levels (https://in.ku.dk/research/ole-kiehn/). The laboratory is part of the Department of Neuroscience at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. The department consists of more than 25 research groups working within different areas of neuroscience (https://in.ku.dk).

 

The position
The posted postdoctoral position focuses on experimentally investigating the role of supraspinal neuronal circuits in motor control and movements. The experimental approach relies heavily on in vivo techniques, such as mouse genetics, stereotaxic surgeries, electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations, and viral tracing strategies. Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Profile
In the assessment of qualifications, we will emphasize the perceived research potential of the applicant and the relevance of previous research experience. We are looking for a candidate possessing the following professional and personal qualifications:

 

Essential experience and skills

PhD degree in neuroscience, or the equivalent hereof

High-quality contributions to neuroscience from PhD

Experience with motor neuroscience and the research questions addressed by the group

Experience with optogenetic, calcium imaging, behavioral tracking and data analysis.

Well-developed collaborative skills and a strong motivation to contribute to a working environment that is both productive and pleasant for all members of the group.

Desirable experience and skills:

Experience with electrophysiological recordings

Applicants should have published peer-reviewed research in neuroscience at a high international level.

 

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Our research facilities include modern laboratories in the Mærsk Tower and in the Panum Institute.

 

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

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years.  The starting date is 1 June 2026.

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 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,240 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 Ole Kiehn, ole.kiehn@sund.ku.dk or Ima Mustafic, imalea@sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

 

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. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 04 March 2026, 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 has the opportunity to 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 wish 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.

 

Contact

Ole Kiehn

E-mail: ole.kiehn@sund.ku.dk

Info

 

Application deadline:

Employment start: 01-06-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Institut for Neurovidenskab