Postdoc in translational atherosclerosis research

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for a 2.5-year Postdoc position starting February 1, 2026, or soon thereafter.

The position is part of the fully funded SIF project (“Smooth muscle cell in vitro assays for the development of atherosclerosis therapies”), which aims to develop the next generation of disease-relevant smooth muscle cell assays to bridge basic research and drug discovery. 

The project involves partners from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Aarhus University, Odense University Hospital, Novo Nordisk, and AstraZeneca – providing the succesful candidate an opportunity to gain experience in cross-sector research collaborations and serving as a platform for a future research career in academia, hospital, or industry.

Your role

You will lead SIF project work package 2, focusing on atherosclerotic plaque samples collected from local hospitals in the region. Your primary responsibility will be to develop smooth muscle cell-based assays guided by single-cell spatial transcriptomic datasets generated by project partners, and to apply these assays to test candidate drugs and interventions for potential atherosclerosis therapies.

You will play a key role across the SIF project, which also encompasses single-cell resolution spatial transcriptomics of human plaques to precisely identify and characterize disease-relevant smooth muscle cell phenotypes, a parallel track of organoid-based assays, and the upscaling of assays for industrial drug library screening. Your expertise and insights will be highly valued across all facets of the project.

In addition to research, the position involves disseminating findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as contributing to professional development, university teaching, and supervision of research students.

Your qualifications

Need to have:

• A PhD in molecular biology, medicine, or a related discipline
• Hands-on expertise with cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNAseq)
• High motivation, scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills, and independent initiative
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in written and spoken English

Nice to have:

• Bioinformatic analysis experience (e.g., single-cell transcriptomics)
• A background in atherosclerosis or vascular biology, particularly smooth muscle cell biology

Research environment

You will be based at the newly built research facilities of the Faculty of Health, SDU, in Odense, Denmark, within the Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, part of the Department of Molecular Medicine. Here, you will join a vibrant, collaborative environment of Danish and international colleagues and students, fostering both scientific and social engagement.

As a member of the Steffensen group, you will contribute to research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. The SIF project is one of several complementary initiatives within the group, and we emphasize teamwork and synergy to achieve shared goals and support each other’s success.

Further information

Associate Professor Lasse Bach Steffensen
Department of Molecular Medicine
University of Southern Denmark
+45-25531280
lsteffensen@health.sdu.dk

Application deadline

December 1, 2025, at 23:59 CET

Salary

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now”.  

Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. 

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply. 

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total): 

• A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) 
• A detailed CV, including personal contact information 
• A complete and numbered list of publications 
• Degree certificates (including documentation of PhD degree) 
• Up to 3
  

   

  scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position.  

• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy 
• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work 

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-support@sdu.dk. 

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.  

Incomplete applications will not be assessed. 

Applications may be shortlisted. 

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.  

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.  Read about working in Denmark (Danish rules and guidelines) here

The University wishes our staff to reflect on the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

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