Postdoc in Functional Proteomics

The University of Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral fellow to commence on November 15, 2026, or after agreement in the Deshmukh Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.

The Postdoc fellowship is part of the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program.

About Us
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 located in the Maersk Tower at Panum since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.

Our Research
The Deshmukh Group is engaged in highly interdisciplinary research that combines the field of proteomics, exercise science, nutrition, and cell biology to study the impact of lifestyle on metabolism. The main goal of our research is to investigate how diet and exercise alters intra- and intercellular communication and hence the metabolism. We value teamwork and collaboration, both within our group and with international researchers, to expand our knowledge and develop innovative approaches to study metabolism. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to improve the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. More information about the group can be found here

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral researcher to study the role of plasma protein in human metabolic health and disease. We strive for a collaborative, ambitious, and supportive environment where scientific rigor, curiosity, and personal development are valued. Your tasks would be to map the plasma proteome in human samples across health, obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes; and validate selected candidates and investigate their functional roles using cell-based assays and animal models. The ideal candidate has experience in proteomics, metabolism, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related areas, and is enthusiastic about translational research connecting human omics data to disease mechanisms.

Profile

The Postdoc fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians who aspire to a career in academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates who are familiar with integrative research approaches within the broad area of basic cardiometabolic research with an application toward human pathophysiology.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or related sciences
• Knowledge of LC-MS based proteomis, bioinformatics
• Extensive experience with proteomics sample preparation and data analysis (R programming language)
• Documented experience with human and rodent exercise physiology and metabolism research
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture techniques (e.g. hepatocyte, adipocyte, muscle and osteocyte), biochemical assays (e.g. glucose uptake and seahorse assays) animal handling is desirable.
• The candidate should be able to work independently and interactively in a team setting, and be enthusiastic, motivated and proactive
• Enthusiasm to collaborate across research groups with diverse technical expertise
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral

Eligibility

The Postdoc fellowships within the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program are open for applicants with a PhD degree awarded from a university outside of Denmark. The program is also open for applicants with a Danish PhD degree who can document at least 12 months of full-time research experience from outside Denmark during or after the PhD studies. The PhD degree has to be obtained before November 15, 2026. You are not eligible to apply for the program if you have been employed in a postdoctoral position for more than one year at the University of Copenhagen prior to the commencement of the fellowship.

Terms of Employment

The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years. Starting date is November 15, 2026, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance 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 for the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor at atul.deshmukh@sund.ku.dk. Questions regarding the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program must be directed to Senior Advisor Sarah Christoffersen at sarah.christoffersen@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.

The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.

Application Procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply for position’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate. In case the PhD has not yet been completed, a written statement from the supervisor confirming the PhD degree will be obtained before November 15, 2026, is necessary.
• List of publications
• References (name and contact details of at least two references)

Application Deadline: August 10, 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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.

The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.