Postdoc in Membrane Biophysics

The Membrane Biophysics Group at the Niels Bohr Institute invites applications for a postdoctoral Fellowship concerned with the physics of nerve pulse propagation (experimental biophysics).

The starting date is in the period from January to March 2013.

Project description

The research project will focus on thermodynamic aspects of biological and artificial membranes. Of particular interest is the heat production of nerves during the action potential using thermocouples/temperature sensors on chips in combination with electrical recordings.
The project will involve nerves from various organisms that will partially be prepared in collaboration with the University Hospital. The goal is to record the heat production of nerves during the action potential. Part of the project is the construction of the temperature sensor. The successful candidate will collaborate with a postdoctoral fellow in the same group who works on the mechanical properties of nerves.
The scientific background is described in Heimburg & Jackson. 2005. PNAS 10: 9790 and in Ritchie & Keynes. 1985. Quart. Rev. Biophys. 18: 451.

Qualifications

The candidate must have a PhD or anticipated degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry or Biophysics and be highly motivated to pursue a career as an independent scientist. The candidate must be creative with original ideas, and has to be able to plan and work independently.
He will be responsible for the above project. Previous experience in working with living cells or with sensitive temperature measurements is of advantage.

Place of employment and work

The employment is at the Membrane Biophysics group at the Niels Bohr Institute, which is the physics department of the University of Copenhagen. It is embedded into the Biocomplexity section of the department. More information on the Membrane Biophysics Group can be found at membranes.nbi.dk.

Terms of salary and employment

The position is for 2 years, starting in the period between January and March 2013. Salary, supplement, pension and terms of employment follow the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Academics Central Organization. Currently, the monthly postdoc salary begins around 33.000 DKK plus pension (taxable).
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reduction, if they have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

Application (online)

The application must include:
1. Motivation/Cover letter (max 1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Copies of diploma/degree certificates for MSc and PhD
4. List of publications � if applicable
5. Up to 3 PDFs of publications, if applicable
6. Letters of recommendation

Deadline for application including all material is December 2, 2012.

Contact information:

For more information about the position please contact:
Thomas Heimburg
Associate professor
Membrane Biophysics Group
Niels Bohr Institute
Email: theimbu@nbi.dk
http://membranes.nbi.dk