Postdoc in Ubiquitin Signalling and Protein Binder Discovery

Are you motivated by unravelling how fundamental cellular processes are regulated? Do you want to pioneer the discovery and development of innovative tools and methodologies to decode poorly characterised protein modifications and uncover their impact on cell signalling, infection, and immunity? Join a collaborative and ambitious Postdoc project in the Ubiquitin Signalling and Inflammation Lab at DTU Bioengineering, where you will develop novel protein binders to explore the hidden roles of atypical ubiquitin modifications in health and disease.

About the position

Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health threat. So-called 'antivirulence' strategies, which block bacterial manipulation of the host, offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. However, our limited understanding of the host-pathogen interface remains a major barrier to this development. Lysine (K)6-linked ubiquitin chains are an atypical and understudied protein modification that has recently emerged as a key target for bacterial interference during infection. Yet, the cellular and molecular functions of K6-linked ubiquitin remain largely unknown, and how – and why – bacteria exploit this signal is poorly understood.

This project will discover and engineer single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) that specifically recognise K6-linked ubiquitin. Using these new molecular tools, we will establish state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics and live-cell imaging workflows to define the fundamental role of this enigmatic posttranslational modification in cell signalling and to elucidate the mechanisms of bacterial manipulation of host ubiquitin pathways. 

Under the supervision of Associate Professor Rune Busk Damgaard, you will join the Ubiquitin Signalling and Inflammation Lab at DTU Bioengineering – a vibrant, collaborative, and international research environment exploring how ubiquitin-dependent signalling controls cellular responses to stress, inflammation, and metabolic change. Our team integrates molecular cell biology, biochemistry, and advanced proteomics to uncover new principles of ubiquitin regulation in health and disease. The project is conducted in close collaboration with Associate Professor Jonathan Pruneda (Oregon Health & Science University) and Professor Steffen Goletz (DTU Bioengineering), offering exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary and transatlantic research.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The main purpose of this project is to apply advanced phage display technologies to discover and develop single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) specific for K6-linked ubiquitin chains, engineer and optimise their properties, and use them in proteomics and imaging workflows to investigate how this atypical ubiquitin signal regulates cellular communication and stress responses.

The main tasks include:

• Designing, engineering, and purifying recombinant proteins and antigens
• Discovering and developing sdAbs specific for K6-linked ubiquitin chains using phage display
• Functionalising, characterising, and validating K6-specific sdAbs for cellular applications
• Using K6-specific sdAbs to dissect the molecular and cellular functions of this modification
• Disseminating research findings through high-quality journal publications and international conferences
• Contributing to the operation of the laboratory and maintaining a collaborative research environment

We expect you to be ambitious, creative, and highly motivated, with the drive to succeed in a competitive and fast-evolving research field. The project will require both independent work and effective collaboration within an interdisciplinary team.

You are also expected to contribute to the supervision and training of BSc, MSc, and PhD students, as well as to teaching and outreach activities within the department.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences, for example, in biochemistry, biomedicine, biotechnology, or a related discipline. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD are also encouraged to apply.

In addition, our ideal candidate has many or most of the following qualifications:

• Strong background in protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and experimental design
• Experience with modern construct design and protein engineering tools, including PCR and molecular cloning
• Expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification using analytical and preparative methods (e.g. FPLC systems such as ÄKTA or Bio-Rad NGC)
• Proven record of independent and innovative research, with strong problem-solving abilities
• Track record of publication, including at least one first-author paper in an internationally recognised, peer-reviewed journal
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative research settings
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken

Experience with any of the following is highly desirable but not essential:

• Biophysical characterisation (e.g. SPR, ITC, FIDA, fluorescence polarisation) and/or structural biology
• Analysis of cell signalling and multiprotein complexes (e.g. immunoprecipitation, pulldowns, western blotting)
• Phage display or related antibody discovery technologies
• Mass spectrometry-based proteomics
• Ubiquitin signalling, infection biology, or cellular stress pathways

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. DTU Bioengineering provides a world-class research environment with multiple state-of-the-art facilities in protein biochemistry, cell biology, and quantitative proteomics.

The successful candidate will receive strong mentoring and career development support and have opportunities to establish an independent research profile through international collaborations and conference participation.

Salary and terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years and 9 months.

The stating date is 1 February 2026 or as negotiated. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Rune Busk Damgaard,  

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering – the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 December :59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter, max 2 pages)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 
• Names and contact details for at least two academic references

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.