Postdoctoral Position: Immune–Metabolic Switch: The Sandelin Laboratory at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore the effects of maternal immune activation on fetal development through immune and metabolic pathways. This interdisciplinary project collaborates with the Hougaard group and the Krautz group and focuses on understanding how maternal IL-6 signaling and SOCS3-mediated immune inhibition in the placenta influence fetal responses to maternal inflammation.
Postdoctoral Position: Dissecting an Immune–Metabolic Switch at the Maternal–Fetal Interface
Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher
| Research Area | Location |
|---|---|
| Maternal-Fetal Interface, Immunology, Developmental Biology | University of Copenhagen, Denmark |
Eligibility/Qualification:
- PhD (or nearing completion) in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
- Strong background in one or more of the following areas:
- Molecular biology, especially genomics methods
- Spatial omics, including spatial transcriptomics
- Bioinformatics, particularly in multi-omics dataset integration and spatial data
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Proven ability in scientific communication and collaboration.
- Strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
- One or more first-author publications in high-quality journals in genomics, systems biology, data-driven bioinformatics, or physiology.
Job Description:
The postdoctoral researcher will lead experimental and/or computational work to:
- Map dose-dependent IL-6 responses in the maternal-placental-fetal axis using transcriptomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics.
- Determine thresholds where placental immune inhibition fails, triggering fetal immune activation.
- Identify cell types and microanatomical regions responsible for immune inhibition in the placenta and metabolic rewiring in the fetal liver.
- Integrate single-cell spatial transcriptomics and spatial lipidomics to develop quantitative models of immune-metabolic communication across tissues.
The position offers the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge methodologies and contribute to impactful research in developmental biology, immunology, and maternal health.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application electronically including:
- Curriculum vitae
- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
- Letter of interest outlining motivation and suitability for the position
- Complete publication list
Applications can be submitted by clicking the “APPLY NOW” button on the job posting page.
Last Date for Apply:
January 14, 2026, 23:59 GMT +1
The University of Copenhagen encourages applications from all qualified candidates and seeks to reflect the diversity of society in its staff.
