13 Months Postdoc Position in Computational Biophysics - Aarhus University, Denmark

Project description

Enzymes are widely used in the laundry industry, yet very little is known about their interaction with dirt stains and how this affects the conformation of the enzyme. In this project the focus is dual, both on modelling of dirt-enzyme interactions and on developing methods to improve the accuracy of the modelling using both atomistic and coarse-grain mehods.

Understanding the mechanism of interaction and how it may influence the enzyme – through both activation and possibly inhibition or forming non-reactive complexes can help in predicting novel enzymes with improved properties for future use.

Qualifications and requirements

The ideal candidate has a track record and expertise in advanced molecular dynamics simulations entailing both atomistic and coarse-grain resolution as well as being experienced in applications towards both enzymes and complex mixtures of e.g. lipids and glycerides. The candidate is expected to have collaborated with industry as well as being member of a computational international team undertaking large-scale method development. We expect that our new colleague can perform research at an internationally competitive level and to be able to present his/her work to a broad audience. Experience in supervision of students is required.

Essential skills

• PhD in computational biophysics, chemistry or related field
• Expected to have previous postdoc experience
• Extensive experience in molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS engine and Martini force-field
• Experience in student supervision
• Extensive knowledge of enhanced sampling methods and advanced analysis tools for MD simulations
• Independent writing skills in the context of academic publications, grants, and science communication

Desirable skills

• History of self-driven development and application of lipid and protein force fields
• Experience from working in interdisciplinary research environments
• Management skills

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated, independent and well organised scientist with previous research experience in molecular dynamics simulations. On top of performing the expected research, duties include supervision of students, helping out with group management, project leadership and managing ongoing collaborations. Travelling to conferences and presenting research to a scientific audience is expected.

Starting date: November 15, 2024
Project duration: 13 months
Place of work: Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

For further information, contact Professor Birgit Schiøtt at [email protected] or Assistant Professor Anna L. Duncan at [email protected]

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the

Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation

.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here . Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here .

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here .

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website , you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.