Postdoc in Translational Neuropsychiatry

Aarhus University; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 493,000 - 585,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year fixed-term Postdoc position in translational neuropsychiatry. The project investigates how emotional imbalance modulates transcription and connectivity in rodent brains, with behavioral phenotyping and drug candidate evaluation.

The successful candidate will conduct independent, high-quality research, contribute to teaching, and work closely with molecular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and preclinical

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience and experience in experimental neuropharmacology or a closely related field.
• Graduate education completed abroad.
• Solid experience with confocal and light-sheet microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and analysis of complex molecular or cellular datasets.
• Experience conducting behavioural experiments using rodent models of depression, stress susceptibility, or resilience.

Responsibilities

• Independent research of high international quality, including publication.
• Conduct spatial and cell-specific molecular profiling using RNAscope multiplex, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
• Investigate, design, conduct, and analyze behavioural experiments in rodent models of depression, stress susceptibility, and resilience.
• Characterization of neuronal network structure by whole brain imaging.
• Collaborate with project leaders and partners in molecular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and preclinical imaging.

Skills

Neuroscience

Experimental neuropharmacology

Interpersonal skills

English fluency

Education

PhD in neuroscience

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Light-sheet microscopy

Spatial transcriptomics

RNAscope multiplex

Job description

Postdoc in Translational Neuropsychiatry

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of translational neuropsychiatry as per 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

The Department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department's modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research. You can read more about the department here and about the faculty here .

About the research project

The project will investigate the mechanisms by which emotional imbalance regulates transcriptional programs and structural connectivity in disease-relevant brain regions in rodents. A drug candidate will be evaluated using these experimental paradigms and behavioral phenotyping.

Your job responsibilities

As Postdoc in translational psychiatry your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments. You will contribute to the development of the department through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance.

Your main tasks will consist of:

• Independent research of high international quality, including publication.
• Conduct spatial and cell-specific molecular profiling using approaches such as RNAscope multiplex, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
• Investigate, design, conduct, and analyze behavioral experiments in rodent models of depression, stress susceptibility, and resilience.
• Characterization of neuronal network structure by whole brain imaging
• You will work closely with the project leaders and collaborators in molecular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and preclinical imaging.

You will report to Professor Anders Nykjaer, Director of PROMEMO, Dept. of Biomedicine.

Your competences

You have a PhD in neuroscience and experience in experimental neuropharmacology or a closely related field. The candidate must have completed his/her graduate education abroad. Solid experience with confocal and light-sheet microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and the analysis of complex molecular or cellular datasets is required. The successful candidate is also expected to have experience conducting behavioural experiments using rodent models of depression, stress susceptibility, or resilience.

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.

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 Professor Anders Nykjaer, email: [e-mail] .

Your place of work will be the Department of Biomedicine, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 10, bldg. 1116, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

We expect to conduct interviews in week 44-45.

Terms of employment

• Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.
• 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.

Your application must include the following:

• 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)
• References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system(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 .
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Administrationscenter Health - Health HR [phone] [e-mail]