项目介绍

2026年6月30日

A 2-year postdoc position with the possibility of a 1-year extension is now open at University of Copenhagen shared between the sensory biology group lead by Assoc. Prof. Anders Garm, Marine Biological Section and the Centre for Gelatinous Plankton Ecology & Evolution, lead by Senior Scientist Dr. Cornelia Jaspers. The postdoc is funded via the Danish Research Council and the DFF2 project – Marine bioluminescence: How and why? The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to investigate the function and ecological significance of bioluminescence and the potential synthesis pathways of the light emitting substrate – coelenterazine. Even though bioluminescence is a surprisingly common trait in marine organisms, little is known about its ecological, evolutionary and biochemical nature. We will establish the invasive comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi, one of the very few animals known to produce coelenterazine, as model organism in our laboratories at University of Copenhagen. Apart from studying bioluminescence in wildtype animals, we aim to use CRISPRcas technology to produce knock-out lines, which will facilitate comparative physiological and ecological experiments to understand the cost, function and ecological significance of bioluminescence. We will also apply a range of advanced imaging techniques to visualize the light organs and their innervation. 

The successful applicant will be part of a highly interdisciplinary work environment spanning from biochemistry to marine ecology with a strong focus on experimental and hypothesis driven work. Importantly, a large part of the work will happen in close collaboration with the other postdoc included in the project.           

Main tasks of the postdoc

• Culture M. leidyi and use CRISPR-cas9 to obtain knockout strains
• Perform common garden experiments testing wildtype vs knockout strains
• Design and use custom-made antibodies to localize the expression of key elements in coelenterazine biosynthesis/recycling
• Use transmission electron microscopy and VolumeScope FIB-SEM electron microscopy to map compartmentalization and innervation of the light producing photocytes

Qualifications

We are looking for a self-motivated and curiosity driven researcher eager to work in an interdisciplinary team across two research groups at University of Copenhagen. The successful applicant should be a team player with experience in experimental cell biology, ecology or evolutionary research. Applicants with the following qualifications are preferred:

• PhD in cell biology, marine ecology, marine invertebrate biology or equivalent.
• Previous work with culturing and conducting experimental work with invertebrates.
• Background in bioluminescence, experimental physiology or cell biology.
• Experience with 3D morphological reconstruction.
• Gene manipulation experience (CRISPRcas).
• Proficiency in English – both written and spoken.
• Experience mentoring students in the lab.
• Motivated to work in an interdisciplinary research team, as well as independently, with an open communication style and a problem-solving attitude.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within invertebrate biology, cell biology and marine ecology as well as some teaching.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Anders L. Garm,  or Senior Scientist Dr. Cornelia Jaspers.

The position is open from 1st of October 2026or as soon as possible thereafter.

The universities wish our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

The application must include

• Motivated letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• PhD and master diploma or transcript in English
• Complete list of publications
• Separate PDFs of particularly relevant papers (max 3)