Postdoc in identification of novel AMPK modulators for therapeutic development
The University of Copenhagen is seeking an experienced Postdoc fellow to commence on 1 March 2026, or after agreement, for the Sakamoto Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.
About Us
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharmacology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.
CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at Panum since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.
Our Research
The overarching aim of the Sakamoto Group is to elucidate molecular mechanisms governing cellular energy sensing and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, with the ultimate aim of identifying and validating therapeutic candidates capable of correcting energetic imbalances in metabolic disorders. Our research focuses on how post-translational modifications, such as reversible phosphorylation, and allosteric regulation of signaling proteins and metabolic enzymes contribute to energy regulation. We also investigate how dysregulation in these processes drive the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. To achieve these aims, we adopt a multidisciplinary research strategy, collaborate with leading national and international experts, and are dedicated to the training and professional development of early-career scientists.
Job Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team to discover, characterize, and validate novel modulators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) for potential therapeutic applications. AMPK is a central regulator of cellular and whole-body energy homeostasis, and pharmacological modulation of AMPK has significant promise in the treatment of metabolic diseases, obesity, and related cardiometabolic disorders. The successful candidate will be embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment with expertise spanning protein kinase signaling, computational chemistry, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and molecular and cellular biology. The project aims to identify novel small-molecule, metabolite, or peptide-based AMPK modulators and to elucidate their mechanisms of action using state-of-the-art computational and experimental approaches.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Required qualifications:
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years. Starting date is 1 March 2026 or after agreement.
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the past 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Kei Sakamoto at kei.sakamoto@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.
The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.
Application Procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply now’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.
The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.
Arbejdstid: Dag
Ansøg her
Retur til søgning
The University of Copenhagen is seeking an experienced Postdoc fellow to commence on 1 March 2026, or after agreement, for the Sakamoto Group at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen.
About Us
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is an academic research Center that pioneers groundbreaking research towards better cardiometabolic health. Through collaborative interdisciplinary research from single-cell genomics to whole-body systems, CBMR aims to transform the basic understanding of cardiometabolic health and accelerate its translation into prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s uniquely multi- and interdisciplinary approach combines research in genetics, physiology and pharmacology, to better understand the complex interplay of the many factors that drive cardiometabolic disease. You can learn more in the Executive Summary of CBMR's Strategy 2024–2028.
CBMR was established in 2010 at the Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences and has been located in the Maersk Tower at Panum since 2017. The around 260 employees create an international, highly collaborative research environment across disciplines.
Our Research
The overarching aim of the Sakamoto Group is to elucidate molecular mechanisms governing cellular energy sensing and the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis, with the ultimate aim of identifying and validating therapeutic candidates capable of correcting energetic imbalances in metabolic disorders. Our research focuses on how post-translational modifications, such as reversible phosphorylation, and allosteric regulation of signaling proteins and metabolic enzymes contribute to energy regulation. We also investigate how dysregulation in these processes drive the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. To achieve these aims, we adopt a multidisciplinary research strategy, collaborate with leading national and international experts, and are dedicated to the training and professional development of early-career scientists.
Job Description
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team to discover, characterize, and validate novel modulators of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) for potential therapeutic applications. AMPK is a central regulator of cellular and whole-body energy homeostasis, and pharmacological modulation of AMPK has significant promise in the treatment of metabolic diseases, obesity, and related cardiometabolic disorders. The successful candidate will be embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment with expertise spanning protein kinase signaling, computational chemistry, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and molecular and cellular biology. The project aims to identify novel small-molecule, metabolite, or peptide-based AMPK modulators and to elucidate their mechanisms of action using state-of-the-art computational and experimental approaches.
Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:
Required qualifications:
- A PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, structural biology, computational chemistry, or a related discipline.
- A strong research background in AMPK biology, metabolic regulation and signalling, as well as expertise in chemical biology and bioinformatics—particularly in computational structural biology and molecular modelling.
- Experience in small-molecule, metabolite, or peptide-based ligand characterization
- Experience with integrating computational predictions with experimental validation.
- Strong track record of productivity, demonstrated by high-quality publications.
- Ability to design, plan, and execute complex experiments independently, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment.
- Experience in cross-disciplinary projects involving computational and experimental scientists (a plus).
The employment as Postdoc is a full-time position for 2 years. Starting date is 1 March 2026 or after agreement.
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark for the past 10 years.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Kei Sakamoto at kei.sakamoto@sund.ku.dk. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact HR at hr-cbmr@adm.ku.dk.
The University of Copenhagen International Staff Mobility office offers support and assistance to all international researchers on all issues related to moving to and settling in Denmark.
Application Procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English via the ‘Apply now’ link below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Cover letter expressing the motivation and previous research experience of the applicant (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of the PhD degree certificate and the Master’s degree certificate.
- List of publications
- References (name and contact details of at least two references)
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 www.employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process.
The applicant will be assessed according to Ministerial Order No. 242 of March 13, 2012, on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their personal backgrounds.
Arbejdstid: Dag
Ansøg her
Retur til søgning
