The DRCMR has an open two-year research opportunity for a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to conduct translational research at the intersection of neuroscience, brain stimulation, and magnetic resonance imaging. Join us as we scale up our efforts to better understand how to selectively modulate and map specific pathways in the rodent brain. You will join a dedicated research team that combines optogenetics and/or chemogenetics with preclinical functional MRI and functional MR spectroscopy (MRS) for causal circuit interrogation.

We are looking for a candidate who is independent, motivated, and a team player with strong experimental skills in brain circuit research in rodents. You will mainly be involved in the neurobiological aspects of the project, establishing dedicated rodent models and interleaving optogenetic and/or chemogenetic circuit modulation with functional MRS/MRI. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers, basic and clinical neuroscientists.

The project will be carried out at the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance (DRCMR) which is a leading research center for biomedical MRI in Europe (www.drcmr.dk). Our mission is to triangulate MR physics and basic physiology from preclinical to clinical research. Approximately 75 researchers from a diverse range of disciplines are currently pursuing basic and clinically applied MR research and its validation with a focus on structural, functional, and metabolic MRI of the human brain and its disorders. The DRCMR is embedded in the Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, a large diagnostic imaging department including all biomedical imaging modalities at the Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre.

The DRCMR has a state-of-the-art MR-research infrastructure enabling translational research, which includes a pre-clinical 7T Bruker MR scanner, six whole-body MR scanners (one 7T, three 3T and two 1.5T scanners) and a High-Performance Computer cluster for neuroimaging. The DRCMR has pre-clinical labs, a neuropsychology laboratory, an EEG laboratory, and two laboratories for non-invasive brain stimulation.

Our preclinical research facility is equipped with a 7T Bruker preclinical MRI scanner with a mouse cryoprobe and gradient insert. Equipment for physiological monitoring of animals can be used in conjunction with dedicated devices for delivering sensory, optogenetic and chemogenetic stimulations during functional MR acquisitions. In addition, the laboratory has its own animal facility as well as a fully equipped lab for the preparation of mice and rats. Surgeries and optic fiber implantation can be realized in a dedicated laboratory. Novel equipment is also currently being installed for behavioral experiments. Through numerous collaborations, we have access to a large databank of animal models of disease. 

The ideal candidate

Should be a motivated international minded team player with:

• A PhD degree in Neuroscience, Biochemistry or related field
• Experience in preclinical neuroscience involving rodents (e.g. use of genetic tools for causal circuit interrogation)
• Practical skills regarding animal handling procedures and experimentation (e.g. anesthesia)
• Methodological  experience in MRI/MRS of the rodent brain
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Good programming skills (preferably in Matlab or Python)

The project will be supervised by Dr Nathalie Just. In addition, the candidate will benefit from a very rich research and clinical environment including associate professor Tim Dyrby, senior researcher Mattias Rickhag and professor Hartwig Siebner.

Application deadline: 1st March 2022

Starting date: is expected to be in April 2022 or as soon as possible

Salary and Terms of Employment

You will be employed for a postdoc period of 24 months at the DRCMR. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Regions (Danske Regioner) and the relevant professional organization. The salary depends on background education and seniority. Further supplements can be negotiated. Note that candidates coming from abroad may be eligible for tax reductions. The position is open for candidates of all nationalities.

We see diversity as a strength and encourage all candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disabilities or religion to apply.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV and list of publications together with the names of three references. Applications must be submitted on-line through the RegionH job portal - click HERE.

For further information regarding the position please contact Senior Researcher Nathalie Just.
Direct line:  +45 3862 6205; Email: