Postdoc in nutrition and survival of newborn piglet

Overview

Postdoc in nutrition and survival of newborn piglet

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

The position is a 2-year postdoctoral appointment commencing January 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The appointee will be affiliated to the research group for Comparative Pediatrics, Section of Biomedicine.

Research group

The Comparative Pediatrics group conducts translational research and teaching related to neonatology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, microbiology, nutrition and diseases in both animals and human infants. The group performs in vitro studies, animal model studies (mainly piglets) and clinical studies in infants at hospitals, exploring growth, gut, brain, immunity and microbiome.

Our aim is to reduce morbidity and mortality for neonates, including animals and human infants, through medical, nutritional or other interventions for compromised neonates (e.g., prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia).

Project description and your job

This postdoctoral position is part of a project funded by Grøn Udviklings og Demonstrations-Program (GUDP). The aim is to establish and test a novel colostrum-replacer for at-risk neonatal piglets to improve survival. The project involves industry partners and includes clinical studies of colostrum-replacer effects on compromised piglets who cannot obtain mothers' colostrum. The majority of in vivo work is performed at Frederiksberg Campus, with some investigations in commercial farming settings. In vivo work includes close clinical monitoring of compromised neonatal piglets and their responses to interventions. Laboratory endpoints relate to neuroscience, immunology, physiology and pathology, using methods such as FACS, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, enzymology and western blot. The project includes collaboration with Associate Professors Stanislava Pankratova and Duc Ninh Nguyen who have expertise in neuroscience and immunology.

Essential experience and skills

• You have a veterinary background and a PhD degree, preferably in biomedicine, immunology, neuroscience or related areas
• You have experience with in vivo animal models, preferably perinatology-related
• You have strong laboratory skills related to molecular biology, neuroscience or immunology
• You have experience with laboratory supervision
• You have a strong international publication record within the field

General desirable experience and skills

• Curious mindset with a strong interest in neonatal health
• Well-organized, self-motivated, result-oriented and able to work independently in a collaborative setting
• Strong analytical communication and computer skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, good communication and teamwork skills
• Experience in coordination of research projects and scientific interaction
• Experience with project management
• Experience with neonatal animal models is a plus
• Experience with national/international grant applications is a plus

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The appointee should be willing to collaborate with research partners nationally and internationally and with key industry partners. The university offers a creative and stimulating working environment with access to modern laboratories, animal facilities and connections to national and international hospitals.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff. Terms of appointment and pay are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Negotiation for a salary supplement is possible.

Application process

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below. The following documents must be included in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max one page)
• CV including education, work/research experience, language skills and other relevant skills
• Certified copies of PhD certificate and Master of Science certificate (If PhD not completed, a supervisor statement is acceptable)
• List of publications

Application deadline: 13 October 23:59 CET. We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not meet the stated requirements.

Further process

After the deadline, applicants are assessed by the hiring committee. All applicants are notified of the outcome. The recruitment process is described at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/. The applicant 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 values diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Apply now. Information: Application deadline 13-10-2025; Employment start 01-01-2026; Working hours: Full time; Department/Location: Institut for Veterinær- og Husdyrvidenskab.

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