Postdoc in sleep circuits at Center for Translational Neuromedicine

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position, who will investigate the role of sleep on cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative disorders.

The candidate will work with mouse models of neurodegenerative disease and perform in vivo characterization of sleep composition (EEG/EMG recordings) and wake behaviors as well as fluorescent imaging and optogenetic modulation of cells and neuromodulators in circuits related to memory consolidation. Preferably, the candidate would have in vivo experience with rodents.

Information on the department can be found at: .

Our center
Center for Translational Neuromedicine currently has 50 employees and students and is divided into 4 labs. CTN is characterized by a highly ambitious research environment. The PhD student will be part of the Kjaerby lab. Being part of the Kjaerby lab offers an opportunity to work in an in vivo lab engaged in neuroscience with a focus on restorative elements of sleep in heath and disease.
CTN is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and is located at Panum. The Center comprises modern laboratories and excellent facilities within neuroscience. The project that we are recruiting for focuses on the role of sleep in memory decline in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders using in vivo optical imaging approaches.

Our research
You will be joining the Kjaerby lab that studies the impact of sleep on memory performance. Sleep is essential for cognitive performance, and it is well established that impaired sleep reduces cognition. Sleep is not a homogeneous brain state but composed of several micro-structures regulated by many regions within the brain. In recent years, short arousals have been recognized as an integral part of normal sleep adding to the complexity of sleep. In the Kjaerby group, we are interested in determining the impact of these frequent sleep-arousal transitions on shaping restorative sleep processes related to memory consolidation. Sleep disturbances are a large component of many neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, and exploring novel therapeutic strategies related to regulation of sleep-arousal transitions can potentially arrest cognitive decline for these disorders. We are driven by curiosity and shared excitement for scientific collaboration and discovery, and we value a diverse, international and inclusive scientific environment that fosters creativity.

Your job
You will be investigating the role of long-term sleep disturbances on cognitive decline in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders. As a post doc in the Kjaerby lab, you will be working in a field of in vivo fluorescent imaging and modulation trying to decipher the brain mechanisms involved in memory consolidation during sleep. For this project, you will work with brain imaging in mouse models during sleep as well as closed-loop optogenetic modulation to manipulate sleep. Last, you will perform post-sleep memory assessment of animals. Your tasks will include the design and implementation of experimental workflows, which allow the visualization and manipulation of neuronal circuits during sleep. Also, you are expected to train and mentor students at master level.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in neuroscience
• You are highly experienced in fluorescent imaging and modulation techniques such as fiber photometry and optogenetics including the surgical procedures associated with these techniques
• You have an active interest in sleep, general knowledge about sleep composition and experience in EEG/EMG recordings in rodents
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Experience within the following will be an advantage:

Desirable experience and skills:

• Behavioral assessment of rodents
• Coding (MATLAB)

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and in vivo imaging equipment.

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

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The starting date is 1 October 2024 or after agreement.

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 38,575 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2024 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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.

You will refer to Associate Professor Celia Kjærby.

Questions
For further information please contact Celia Kjærby, [email protected] .

International applicants may find this link useful: (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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. 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.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 9 July 2024 , 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

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

Interviews are expected to be held in week 32.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.