PhD Fellow in Spatial Proteomics of Cardiac Conduction and Disease Mechanisms

Position Overview
The Cardiac Proteomics & Systems Biology Group at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a highly motivated PhD fellow. The successful candidate will apply cutting-edge spatial proteomics to uncover the molecular architecture of the cardiac conduction system (CCS) and elucidate mechanisms underlying heart rate control and arrhythmogenic disease.

Project Description
Coordinated heartbeats depend on the CCS—the heart’s electrical wiring. Disruption of CCS components can lead to impaired cardiac function and life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite its clinical importance, the molecular regulators of CCS function remain poorly understood, limiting therapeutic innovation. This PhD project aims to overcome this gap by generating cell type-resolved proteomes of CCS regions, focusing on the sinus node in animal models and human tissue. Using laser capture microdissection combined with quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the fellow will investigate protein remodeling at cellular resolution and generate insight into the biological mechanisms underlying CCS function and maintained heart rhythm control.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize spatial proteomics workflows for cardiac tissue, including laser capture microdissection and LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Perform quantitative proteomics and data analysis to identify cell type-specific protein signatures.
• Collaborate on complementary projects involving multi-omics investigation of cardiac disease mechanisms.
• Communicate findings through publications and presentations in international forums.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong academic track record and demonstrated research experience.
• Hands-on expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Mass spectrometry-based proteomics (LC-MS/MS)
  • Proteomics data processing and interpretation
  • Laser capture microdissection and image-guided tissue analysis
  • Fluorescent microscopy and cell segmentation techniques
  • Cellular and molecular principles of cardiac physiology
• Strong communication skills in English (oral and written).
• Ability to work independently while contributing creatively and collaboratively to a team environment.

We Offer

• A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment within the Lundby Group, dedicated to advancing molecular insights into cardiac pathophysiology.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, core facilities, and modern office spaces.
• Training in advanced quantitative proteomics, large-scale data analysis, and multi-omics integration.
• A collegial atmosphere emphasizing academic excellence, creativity, and responsibility.

Duties
The PhD fellow will establish the best experimental framework for spatial proteomics investigation of the cardiac conduction system using spatial proteomics approaches. A significant part of the work is focused on optimizing laser capture microdissection of regions of interest.

The work will be guided by a detailed research plan and performed in close collaboration with current members of the Lundby group. The fellow will work independently and lead this part of the project, with the freedom to modify the original research plan as needed. Ongoing support will be available from the PI and Lundby group members.

Our group and environment
The candidate will be part of the Cardiac Proteomics and Systems Biology group led by Professor Lundby at the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The successful candidate will be working in a team of scientists across multiple scientific fields focused on improving our molecular understanding of cardiac pathophysiology. Our facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities as well as modern office spaces. The position provides a unique opportunity to develop expertise in cutting edge quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, data analysis of large datasets and integration of multi-omics datasets. Striving for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility, we offer creative, friendly and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and strong scientific environment.

Salary and terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree­ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Depending on seniority, the monthly salary as PhD Fellow starts at approximately 31,200 DKK/Roughly 4,170 EUR (November 2025 level) plus pension.

Workplace and period of employment
Workplace is located at Maersk Tower, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The period of employment is 3 years. Suggested start date is in the period March-September 2026.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Lundby: [email protected].

You can read more about Cardiac Proteomics Group at www.lundbylab.com

You can read more about the Department of Biomedical Sciences at www.bmi.ku.dk

Application deadline
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an online application no later than 8 January 2026.

The File Must Include
Applications must be submitted via the “Apply now” containing all materials to be given consideration. The application should contain:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Relevant diplomas (an official translation into English). For PhD applicants: Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database. Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
• List of publications
• Contact details for two referees

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

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.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

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 find information about the recruitment process at: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt
Alicia Lundby
E-mail: [email protected]

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 08-01-2026

Ansættelsesdato: Start hurtigst muligt

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Department of Biomedical Sciences