Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA) at Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) is recruiting a scientist for a time limited position for 3 years. Starting date is September 1st 2025 or as soon as possible.

Job Description

SDCA brings together all aspects of diabetes treatment, clinical diabetes research and education under the same roof, thereby offering more integrated treatment in an environment with world-class scientists and physicians. 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated scientist with expertise in functional testing of human subjects, with a particular focus on muscle physiology in the context of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disease. The successful candidate will lead the design, execution, and optimization of protocols assessing muscle function and metabolism—such as strength testing, endurance assessments, muscle strength tests, and in vivo metabolic profiling—ensuring standardized procedures, high data quality, and compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include conduct of functional testing and participant handling, with emphasis on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and safety. The scientist will play a key role in coordinating study logistics, participant scheduling, and data/sample management across multiple human research projects. Active collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external partners will be essential to align protocols, integrate physiological and molecular datasets, and support broader translational research efforts. The position also involves managing ethical approvals and ensuring adherence to institutional and national research regulations.

The scientist will assist the leadership at SDCA (Head of Research and research leader) by tasks related to the research infrastructure at SDCA. 

Selection criteria

• PhD in exercise physiology, molecular biology, or a related life science field
• Strong scientific track record, including relevant publications
• Extensive hands-on experience with functional testing of muscle function 
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; experience in establishing and maintaining SOPs
• Demonstrated ability to lead laboratory operations, train junior researchers, and uphold rigorous scientific standards
• Good English communication skills, both written and verbal
• An analytical attitude of devising innovative scientific or technical solutions
• An enthusiastic, dedicated, and collaborative attitude.

Relationships

• The successful candidate will be employed at SDCA
• The holder of the position will primarily report to the head of research at SDCA 
• The holder of the position is expected to interact with staff at all levels, both internally and externally, regarding relevant research topics. 

Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. Experience in metabolism research and a track record within the research field will be considered a distinct advantage. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration, and thus we encourage all – regardless of their personal background and status – to apply.

Employment Conditions

The candidate will be employed in Central Denmark Region and place of employment will for the present be at AUH. Salary is in accordance with current agreement.

How to apply?

Candidates should systematically address the selection criteria in the cover letter. 

Deadline for application is August 3rd. You can apply by using the link “Send ansøgning” below. Please attach application and CV etc. We expect the interviews to be held August 13th.

Questions

For further information regarding this position, please contact Head of Research Niels Jessen: Niels.Jessen@biomed.au.dk /  +45 2032 2561 

Read more

• Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Research
• Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus - summary
• Central Region Denmark
• Aarhus University Hospital

Background – what is Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus

Central Denmark Region has established the SDCA with a donation from the Novo Nordisk Foundation of 1.4 billion DKK. SDCA will play a central role in increasing efforts in diabetes in both Central Denmark Region, nationally and internationally.

SDCA is consolidating as one of the world’s leading research environments in clinical diabetes research in collaboration with Aarhus University (AU), the other Steno Diabetes Centers and other Danish and International research environments; in this way, SDCA will play a pivotal role in diabetes research focused on new efforts in treatment and prevention.

The center is located at and organizationally a part of Aarhus University Hospital (AUH).