Postdoc in GPR6 neurobiology

Dansk Sprogskole; Brendstrup; On-site; DKK 493,000 - 585,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University seeks a Postdoc in GPR6 neurobiology and translational neuroscience to start 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The two‑year, full‑time appointment reports to the Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit within the Department of Clinical Medicine.

The project combines rodent behaviour, PET imaging and molecular analyses to elucidate GPR6’s role in dopamine signaling and depression.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or related field required with strong experimental focus.
• Experience in rodent behavioural testing and data analysis is essential.
• Proficiency with PET, autoradiography, RNAscope, Western blotting or IHC is desired.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent, high‑quality research and publish findings.
• Design, run, and analyse rodent behavioural experiments and stress models.
• Lead preclinical PET studies and integrate with behavioural data.
• Develop molecular/tissue analyses including RNAscope, Western blotting and IHC.
• Maintain rigorous records, apply randomisation and animal welfare standards.
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to teaching activities.

Skills

Rodent handling

Behavioural testing

Experimental design

Quantitative data analysis

English proficiency

Education

PhD in neuroscience, pharmacology, biomedical science or related discipline

Tools

PET

autoradiography

RNAscope

Western blotting

immunohistochemistry

Job description

The Department of Clinical Medicine at the Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in GPR6 neurobiology and translational neuroscience as of 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for two years.

As a Postdoc at the Department of Clinical Medicine, you will be part of what is probably the largest health science research department in Denmark. Our clinical research covers all the medical specialities and takes place in close collaboration with the university hospital and the regional hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. We have approx. 30,000 square metres of modern research facilities for experimental surgery and medicine, animal facilities and also advanced scanners at our disposal. The department has overall responsibility for the Master's degree programs in medicine and in molecular medicine. At the department we are approx. 670 academic employees, 500 PhD students and 160 technical/administrative employees who are cooperating across disciplines. As a Postdoc, you will be working at Aarhus University Hospital or another hospital in the Central Denmark Region. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here.

About the research project

The project investigates how G protein-coupled receptor 6 (GPR6) influences striatal signalling, behaviour and responses to pharmacological intervention. We will combine studies in GPR6 knockout mice with pharmacological approaches in rodent models, including Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats, a model of depression. By linking behavioural outcomes to in vivo PET imaging and molecular measures, the project aims to clarify the role of GPR6 in dopamine-related brain function and its potential as a therapeutic target for depression.

The project combines behavioural testing with preclinical positron emission tomography (PET), quantitative receptor autoradiography, RNAscope, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. These complementary methods will relate regional imaging and binding measures to cell‑specific gene expression and intracellular signalling. Experience with stress‑related behavioural models, particularly chronic social defeat stress, will be valuable for investigating how GPR6 influences stress susceptibility and resilience.

You will join the Preclinical Neuroimaging section led by Associate Professor Anne M. Landau at the Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine. The group combines in vivo molecular PET imaging and postmortem autoradiography in translationally relevant animal models of depression and Parkinson’s disease and validates imaging radioligands. You will work closely with colleagues in preclinical imaging, behavioural neuroscience and molecular studies.

Your job responsibilities

• Independent research of high international quality, including publication.
• Design, conduct, and analyse behavioural experiments in rodent models, including assessments of motor function, affective behaviour, and stress responses.
• Contribute to preclinical PET studies, including experimental planning, data acquisition in collaboration with imaging colleagues, quantitative analysis and integration with behavioural findings.
• Perform and develop molecular and tissue‑based analyses, including quantitative autoradiography, RNAscope, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
• Maintain rigorous experimental records and apply appropriate randomisation, blinding, statistical analysis and animal welfare procedures.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations, collaborate across disciplines and contribute to student supervision and relevant teaching activities.

You will report to Associate Professor Anne M. Landau.

Your competences

You have academic qualifications at PhD level in neuroscience, pharmacology, biomedical science or a related discipline. You have experience in experimental neuroscience, particularly behavioural studies in rodents, and a strong interest in linking behaviour to brain imaging and molecular mechanisms.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Practical experience in rodent handling, behavioural testing, experimental design and quantitative data analysis.
• Experience with molecular or histological methods relevant to the project, such as PET, autoradiography, RNAscope or other in situ hybridisation methods, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
• The ability to work independently, document experiments carefully and communicate research findings through scientific publications and presentations.

Experience with the chronic social defeat stress model is particularly desirable. Experience with preclinical PET, radioligand binding, genetically modified mouse models or research on dopamine and striatal signalling will be an advantage. Relevant training in laboratory animal science is desirable.

As a person, you have good interpersonal skills, are inclusive and team-oriented and able to contribute to a good work environment. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English.

In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria.

To be considered for the position, applicants must meet the formal requirements for academic appointments at Aarhus University and submit all required application materials by the deadline. Applications that are substantially incomplete will not proceed to further assessment.

Questions about the position

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Anne M. Landau, tel.: [phone].

Your place of work will be the Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 11, Building A, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 493.394,35 and DKK 585.322,48 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (18.07 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff

Application

• Motivated application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Diploma
• Template for applicant - postdoc
• A list of publications
• A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios
• A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional)
• Research plan can be uploaded (optional)
• Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional)

We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

International applicant?

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. You can read more about these resources here.