Postdoctoral Position in Synaptic Physiology and Plasticity

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Alexander M. Walter at the Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The position is funded by a European Research Council (ERC) grant and is available for an initial 2-year period with the possibility of extension.

Research project

The project investigates molecular and nanoscale mechanisms regulating synaptic transmission and presynaptic plasticity using genetically accessible Drosophila model systems. Current work focuses on how release site organization, active zone dynamics, and neuromodulatory signaling regulate neurotransmitter release at identified synapses.

Experimental approaches in the laboratory include:

• electrophysiology,
• advanced live imaging,
• super-resolution microscopy,
• Drosophila genetics,
• quantitative image analysis,
• and computational modeling.

Depending on the background and interests of the candidate, the project can focus primarily on either:

• synaptic electrophysiology and plasticity,
  or
• quantitative live imaging of synaptic activity, organization, and dynamics.

Candidate profile

We are seeking a highly motivated and experimentally strong candidate with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• electrophysiology,
• live-cell or super-resolution imaging,
• synaptic physiology,
• quantitative microscopy,
• biophysics,
• or related quantitative experimental disciplines.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong technical expertise in electrophysiology and/or quantitative live imaging. The laboratory places strong emphasis on rigorous quantitative experimentation and mechanistic interpretation. Experience with Drosophila is advantageous but not required.

The position involves technically demanding experimental work and requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, enthusiasm for hands-on experimentation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a highly interactive research environment.

Research environment

The laboratory studies fundamental mechanisms of neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity by combining physiology, imaging, quantitative analysis, mathematical modeling and genetics. The group is embedded within the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Copenhagen and collaborates across molecular, cellular, and theoretical neuroscience. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.walter-lab.com/

Recent related publications include:

• Jusyte et al., Cell Reports (2023), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112541
• Blaum et al., PNAS (2025) https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2514151122

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of two years. The starting date is 1 October 2026 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact ProfessorAlexander M. Walter, awalter@sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.
5. Names and contact details of 2–3 professional references.

Deadline for applications: 26 July 2026, 23.59pm CET

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 http://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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 34.

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

Kilde: Jobnet.dk