The Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen is inviting applications from dynamic and motivated researchers for a fully funded, 3-year Postdoctoral Position in Lipidomics. This research project focuses on developing cutting-edge analytical methods to identify and quantify lipid species associated with Parkinson’s Disease pathology.
The position is anchored within the Galvagnion Group and runs in close collaboration with the Lipidomics Core Facility at the Danish Cancer Institute (DCI), funded by a prestigious Novo Nordisk Ascending Investigator grant.
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Research Area | Lipidomics, Analytical Chemistry, Neurodegenerative Diseases (Parkinson’s Disease) |
| Location | Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Employment Type | Full-time (37 hours/week), Fixed-term (3 years) |
| Starting Date | February 1, 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | November 15, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Job Description
The successful candidate will lead analytical method development aimed at identifying and quantifying gangliosides, glucosylsphingosine, and galactosylsphingosine. These techniques will be integrated with existing high-end platforms at the Lipidomics Core Facility at the Danish Cancer Institute (DCI).
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting LC-MS/MS analytical methodologies for targeted lipid detection.
- Analyzing complex biological matrices, including post-mortem human brain homogenates, stem cell-derived brain cells from Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, and isolated protein-lipid aggregates.
- Collaborating across interdisciplinary teams encompassing neuroscientists, stem cell biologists, biochemists, and mass spectrometry specialists.
- Interpreting lipidomic datasets to decipher the role of lipid homeostasis disruptions in neurodegeneration.
Research Environment
The Galvagnion Group investigates how dysfunctional lipid homeostasis triggers neurodegenerative processes, specifically focusing on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The research combines cellular models, patient-derived tissues, and biophysical methods to characterize protein-membrane interactions and protein aggregation at the molecular level.
The project leverages the state-of-the-art Orbitrap-based mass spectrometry infrastructure at the DCI Lipidomics Core Facility, capable of quantifying hundreds of individual lipid species across dozens of classes.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy the following core requirements:
- Education: A PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Life Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with LC-MS-based identification and quantitation of small molecules (metabolites, lipids, or related biomolecules).
- Method Development: Proven track record in independently designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting LC-MS workflows.
- Sample Preparation: Practical competence handling biological materials and executing standard biochemical extraction/preparation protocols.
- Communication: Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English, paired with strong teamwork capabilities.
Desirable Attributes
- Prior background in untargeted or targeted lipidomics.
- Familiarity with subcellular fractionation, cell culture, or brain tissue handling.
- General understanding of Parkinson’s disease mechanisms, amyloid formation, or protein aggregation.
Salary & Benefits
Employment is governed by the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC):
- Starting monthly base salary of approximately 39,900 DKK (~5,300 EUR).
- An additional employer-paid pension contribution of 18.07%.
- Potential eligibility for the favorable Danish researcher tax scheme for eligible international candidates.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically in English through the University of Copenhagen’s online recruitment portal. Please compile and upload the following required documents in PDF format:
- Cover Letter: A motivated statement of application explaining your research fit (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed CV outlining education, technical competencies, previous employment, and research experience.
- Diplomas/Certificates: Certified copies of both Master of Science and PhD degree certificates (or a signed verification letter from your supervisor if the PhD defense is pending).
- Publication List: Full list of peer-reviewed articles and scientific contributions.
For scientific inquiries regarding the project, please contact Associate Professor Céline Galvagnion at celine.galvagnion@sund.ku.dk.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2026, by 23:59 CET
- Expected Online Interviews: Week 49, 2026
- Expected In-Person Interviews: Week 51, 2026
Click Here to Apply Directly at University of Copenhagen
