Postdoctoral Fellowship on Protein Phase Separation in Complex Environments

A two-year Postdoc position on Protein Phase Separation in Complex Environments is available starting on March 1st, 2025 or soon thereafter at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) in Denmark.

The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen is devoted to research and research-based teaching in drug formulation and manufacturing, drug-related analytical and physical chemistry, drug metabolism, chemical toxicology, and medicines use. The Department plays a key role in advancing the pharmaceutical sciences in Denmark and internationally.

Project overview

Biomolecular self-assembly is a key process in physics and chemistry and rules the correct functioning of living systems. In addition, many of the most prevalent human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s, are characterised by the presence of so-called amyloid aggregates in the brain, which are the result of protein self-assembly. Several of the proteins identified in amyloid aggregates have been shown to undergo a process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The project aims to study intra and inter-protein interactions that initiate LLPS in intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) systems using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) combined with microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. The project is funded by the Villum Foundation to Professor Vito Foderà (Department of Pharmacy), and in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK).

The successful applicant will specifically work on 1) developing robust experimental protocols for the analysis of IDP systems in conditions initiating LLPS at different length and time scales in vitro systems mimicking cells and 2) realizing in-house software for the advanced analysis of the generated data. Together with researchers in our international team, the successful applicant will report novel insights on the physical laws regulating the phenomenon of LLPS in complex environments. The candidate will work in close collaboration with two Postdocs and one PhD student who are focused on combining theoretical modeling and X-ray-based methods to shed light on the liquid-to-solid transition of IDP systems.

Job description
The candidate´s tasks as a Postdoctoral fellow at the Faculty are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision.
• Write scientific articles on the grounds of the research project.
• Co-supervise PhD and MSc students.
• Participate in the undergraduate teaching of students in pharmaceutical sciences.
• Participate in national and international conferences and scientific meetings.

Required Qualifications

In connection with the appointment special importance will be attached to the applicant having the professional and personal qualifications stated below:

• Documented scientific qualifications such as a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, nanotechnology, or related areas obtained by the start of the present position.
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) and common data science tools.
• At least one first-author publication in respectable peer-reviewed international journals.
• Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Creativity and ability to be both team-oriented and independent.
• Capability of working at the interface between different disciplines.
• Embrace of an international research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an open-minded attitude towards quantitative analysis of complex experimental data sets. The ideal candidate should also have a strong background and/or hands-on research experience within one or several of the fields mentioned below:

• Small angle X-ray scattering of biomolecules (experiments and advanced data analysis).
• Advanced spectroscopy for biomolecular self-assembly.
• Coding (e.g. Python).
• Microscopy-based techniques.
• Protein science and biophysical characterization of protein samples.
• Principles of synthetic biology.
• Protein expression and purification.

Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. Solid experience and an excellent track record gained in the field of small angle X-ray scattering, advanced spectroscopy for biomolecular self-assembly and data analysis will be considered a distinct advantage. We encourage all the qualified individuals - regardless of their personal background and status - to apply.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

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 35,570 DKK/approx. 4,774 EUR (April 2024 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.

As an equal opportunities employer, the University of Copenhagen encourages all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of gender, age, religion and ethnic origin. The period of employment as postdoc will be limited to 2 years.

Application

Applications should include the following parts:

1. Application in the form of a cover letter indicating the motivation, interest in and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages).
2. Curriculum vitae, including the names, e-mails, telephone numbers and addresses of at least 2 referees.
3. Copies of relevant diplomas (e.g. education, teaching and additional research qualifications).
4. A complete list of publications indicating articles relevant to the position, including copies of these articles (max. 5).

The parts must be clearly labeled with the above-mentioned numbers. Send your application with the above-mentioned appendices electronically by clicking the 'Apply online' button. We only accept electronic applications.

Deadline for application is December 1st, 2024, at 11:59 PM CET . Applications received after the deadline, not using the online application form, or not including the required documents will not be considered.

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Selected candidates will be called for interviews that will be held by mid/end January 2025. An answer as to the granting of the fellowship can be expected soon after the interviews.

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

Department/Location: The Department of Pharmacy