Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology

LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center (SIC); København; On-site; DKK 378,000 - 512,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Copenhagen seeks an Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology to lead in vitro pharmacology projects on GPCR genetic variants. The role combines molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and data science within a dynamic international team.

The position emphasizes developing high-dimensional data collection methods, including DNA cloning, cell sorting, and RNA purification, aiming to advance personalized medicine and drug efficacy predictions.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences or related field.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture-based techniques.
• Demonstrated experience in assay development and molecular pharmacological characterization of GPCRs.
• Experience in the application of FRET- and BRET- and transcription factor-based approaches.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in vitro pharmacology studies of GPCR genetic variants in recombinant cell lines.
• Investigate potential novel ligands on GPCR targets using a broad range of pharmacological techniques.
• Develop new pharmacological techniques to collect high-dimensional data at scale (DNA cloning, cell sorting, RNA purification).
• Work across molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and data science.

Skills

GPCR pharmacology

Mammalian cell culture

Assay development

FRET & BRET

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Excellent English

Education

PhD in pharmacology / related field

Job description

Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor who has a strong profile within molecular pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for a 2-3-year position commencing December 1st 2026.

The assistant professor will work in the Molecular Pharmacology group led by Associate Professor Alexander S. Hauser (https://drug.ku.dk/research-sections/pharmaceutical-informatics/pharmacoinformatics/) on an ambitious project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark entitled: “Pleiotropic effects — from drug targets to drug actions”. The overall objective of the project is to characterize the interplay between naturally occurring variations in prominent drug targets and clinical phenotypes for personalized target and treatment selection using pharmacogenomics.

Information on the department can be found at: https://drug.ku.dk/

Our research

The Hauser group focuses on harnessing the explosion of biomedical data in genomics, structural biology, and pharmacology to tackle some of the currently most sought-after questions in the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) field. We work on the pharmacological and physiological characterization of GPCRs ranging from dissecting molecular mechanisms of action to understanding the physiological role and therapeutic potential of these receptors. The group has a strong interest in personalized medicine by linking genetic receptor variations with receptor function, disease, and drug treatment efficacy. The international, mixed computational and experimental group is located in state-of-the-art laboratories in a new Pharma Science Building and currently consists of 3 Postdocs and 5 PhD Students with a strong international network.

Your job

As an assistant professor, you will be at the forefront of in vitro pharmacology, playing an important role in unravelling the complex relationship between genetic variations and drug responses. Your work will involve detailed molecular pharmacological characterization of GPCR genetic variants in recombinant cell lines, and you will investigate potentially novel ligands on GPCR targets, employing a broad range of pharmacological techniques. An important part of your role will be to build up new pharmacological techniques to collect high-dimensional data at scale, which will involve additional technical approaches such as DNA cloning, cell sorting, and RNA purification. These techniques will serve as critical tools for the broader scientific community, enabling more accurate predictions of drug efficacy and safety based on genetic/patient profiles.

The interdisciplinary nature of the project, which combines molecular biology, pharmacology, bioinformatics, and data science, will enhance your expertise across multiple domains. It thereby not only offers a platform to contribute to transformative research but also paves the way for future academic leadership opportunities, making it an ideal stepping stone for your long-term career aspirations.

Profile

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential Experience And Skills

• You have a PhD in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences or related science
• You are highly experienced in mammalian cell culture-based techniques
• Demonstrated experience in assay development and molecular pharmacological characterization of GPCRs
• Experience in the application of FRET- and BRET- and transcription factor-based approaches
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable Experience And Skills

• Experience in the supervision of students and research personnel
• Lab management
• Screening of ligand and/or mutant libraries
• Active interest in profiling of compounds and mutants in the context of personalized medicine
• Publication in leading journals related to the research project

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art 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 3 years. The start date is December 1st or as soon as possible thereafter.

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 39,900 DKK/approx. 5,300 EUR (August 2026 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % 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 2025

Questions

For further information please contact Associate Professor Alexander S. Hauser; [e-mail [e-mail]]; www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure

Deadline for applications: 28 September 2026, 23.59pm CET

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 https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

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

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

Contact

Alexander Sebastian Hauser

E-mail: [e-mail]

Application deadline: 28-09-2026

Employment start: 01-12-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology