Assistant Professor in Genetics and Physiology

Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering an Assistant Professor position in Biology commencing 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Description of the scientific environment

The Andersen-Colombani group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, is recruiting a Assistant to work on a 2-year project aiming at understanding the physiological role of TNFR signaling in controlling metabolism and behavior using Drosophila Melanogaster as a model organism. The position is available to start on the 1st of January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The group is housed in the section of Cell and Neurobiology at the Department of Biology ( https://www.biocenter.ku.dk/ ).

Project Description

The pathological functions of tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) have received considerable attention in the last two decades due to its implication in driving metabolic diseases associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as cancers and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the undisputable role of TNF in promoting T2D, anti-TNF clinical trials on humans with obesity-related T2D have produced conflicting results, suggesting that anti-TNF therapy might have adverse effects targeting homeostasis-promoting TNF functions. Nevertheless, the physiological/beneficial functions of TNF remain largely unexplored. Due to the genetic amenability of Drosophila and a simplified fly TNF-TNF receptor (TNFR) system, flies provide an excellent model for studying the physiological functions of TNF. The advertised project explores the role of TNF/TNFRs in maintaining systemic energy homeostasis and controlling feeding behavior and the complex role that TNF signaling plays in adapting metabolism and behavior to environmental stressors.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a PhD in Biology or a related field, postdoctoral experience, and a strong background in Drosophila gut physiology, behavioural biology, and genetic approaches.

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within genetics and physiology. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties

Principal supervisors

Dr. Ditte Andersen, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, ditte.andersen@bio.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 27 85 30 22

Dr. Julien Colombani, Department of Biology, Cell and Neurobiology section, julien .colombani@bio.ku.dk , Direct Phone: +45 27 84 76 66.

Qualifications/Selection criteria

• Applicants should hold a PhD degree in Biology

• Having prior experience with the Drosophila model and Genetics is essential

• Having a solid background in metabolism and behavior is an advantage

• Strong motivation and very good scientific skills are essential

• Having demonstrated the ability to conduct high-impact research

• Having shown the ability to attract external funding is an advantage

• Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but teaching and supervision experience will be considered.

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. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

Further information on the Department can be found on the Department of Biology website.

The position is open from 01.01.2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

Application

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae

• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)

• Research plan – description of current and future research plans

• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document: Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students

• Teaching experience

• Formal pedagogical training

• Complete publication list

• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 24 October 2026, 23:59 GMT +1 .

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case: 211-0600/26-2A