Academic employee to the Biophysics team at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research

The Protein Production and Characterization Platform at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research is seeking an academic employee to the Biophysics team.

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) (https://www.cpr.ku.dk ) comprises a wide range of expertise and skills within its research programs spanning disease systems biology, proteomics, high throughput protein production and characterization, chemical biology, disease biology, and protein therapeutics. The center contributes to the progress of translational research within medicine and provides fundamental insights that can be used to promote drug discovery and development.

The Protein Production and Characterization platform is part of the Protein Structure and Function program. The Biophysics platform houses state of the art biophysical instrumentation for the characterization of biomolecules and their interactions (https://www.cpr.ku.dk/research/facilities/protein-production-and-characterization/biophysics/ ). We support CPR researchers and external academic users through the Integrative Structural Biology Cluster (ISBUC) at the University of Copenhagen in the performance, design, and analysis of a variety of biophysical experiments. We run mass spectrometry as a tool for protein and small molecule identification and for de novo identification of proteins.

The main tasks of the position include

As member of the Biophysics team you will be involved in various aspects of biophysical protein characterization. Your main area of responsibility will be the mass spectrometry analysis of samples produced within the Program, both by the Protein Production Platform and the Program Research Groups:

• Run mass spectra analysis
  • Intact mass analysis and
  • De novo identification of proteins by peptide mapping
• Running weekly maintenance procedures on MS and HPLC instrumentation
• Keep accurate records and electronic logbooks of both the instrumentation and the experiments
• Assay and instrument (HPLC, MS) troubleshooting. Ensure equipment is functioning properly and initiate appropriate repair (contact instrument manufactures)
• Running SECMALS for analytical characterization of biomolecules
• Assist the platform users with experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
• Communication of technical analytical issues to the Platform Coordinator
• Any other relevant duties regarding biophysical characterization as reasonably associated with the position

Qualifications

The candidate is expected to have a profound understanding of LC-MS/MS technology and proven experience in MS method development and application. Knowledge of other biophysical methods would be considerate as an advantage. We expect candidates with various technical or academic educational backgrounds to apply. The ideal candidate should fulfill the following qualifications and the practice experience of the applicants will be one of the main criteria:

• 1-2 years of experience in MS academics platform or similar industrial set-up
• Knowledge of basic MS data analysis using Bruker packages or equivalent software
  • Identification of proteins (in-gel or in-solution)
  • Intact mass analysis of proteins and other biomolecules
• Good analytical troubleshooting experience
• Experience in handling Thermo Orbitrap and/or Bruker maXis II instrumentation
• Previous experience in cross-link MS (XL-MS) and/or native mass spectrometry is an advantage
• Computational skills to automate acquisition and routine sample analysis is an advantage
• Service-minded and good collaboration skills
• Ability and enthusiasm to learn new techniques/skills
• Good knowledge of English

Terms of salary, work, and employment:

The employment is scheduled to start on 15 September 2022 and is a one-year full-time position with the possibility of extension.

The place of work is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Proterin Research, University of Copenhagen.

The employment will be as Academic Employee. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the provisions of the collective agreement between the Danish Government and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). In addition to the basic salary, a monthly contribution to a pension fund is added (17.1% of the salary).

To apply

Applications must be submitted in English. Only online applications will be accepted and must include:

• motivation letter
• curriculum vitae
• copy of relevant diplomas
• name and contact information for 2-3 referees

Informal inquiries about the position can be addressed to the Biophysics Platform Coordinator, Blanca López Méndez, [email protected] .

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.