Assistant Professor of Chemical Biology of Protein-Protein Interactions at Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher to join our laboratory for a 3-year position to commence 15 January 2022. The position will investigate functional effects of protein-protein interactions in postsynaptic density proteins using liquid-liquid phase separation by developing peptide modulators. Information on the department can be found at: https://drug.ku.dk/

Our research
The research will focus on the functional impact of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) on human postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins. The project is part of a highly interdisciplinary effort to establish a drug development platform for PSD proteins. The work requires interaction with a number of national and international collaborators and is based in the Strømgaard laboratory, which provides a dynamic and diverse research environment focused on targeting CNS related diseases using peptide modulators. The group has a balanced gender and age composition, incl. numerous international researchers from a variety of backgrounds.   

Your job
We strive to conduct world-class PSD research using cutting-edge technologies. Your tasks would include the design and optimization of peptide modulators (manual and automated peptide synthesis, optimization of ADME properties) protein biochemistry (protein expression and purification, Western blotting) and cellular assays (cytosolic delivery and uptake). The position would further require teaching and supervision duties.  

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training program for assistant professors

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Chemical biology
• You are highly experienced in peptide and protein chemistry.
• You are highly experienced and have hands-on experience with peptide drug development, as well as protein expression and modifications.
• You have an active interest in postsynaptic density proteins, in particular with regards to their interactions in healthy and diseased states.
• You have a deep understanding of peptide ADME properties and intracellular delivery of peptides
• You have pre- and postgraduate teaching experience within chemical biology of biomacromolecules, including direct supervision of MSc students
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to work in teams
• International experience
• First-author publications in leading international journals
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• First-author publications of primary research projects in high-impact journals
• You have experience working in academic research environment
• Extensive international experience and evidence for cross-disciplinary collaborations
• Successful applications for competitive fellowships or grants
• Hands on experience with IPR activities and academic innovation

Place of employment
The place of employment is at The Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The employment as Assistant Professor is a full time and fixed-term position for 3 years. The starting date is 15 January 2022.
Salary, pension, and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
Non-Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not been tax liable to Denmark the last 10 years.
The position is covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of 19 December 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Kristian Strømgaard, [email protected]; www.sund.ku.dk
International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk  (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/  . 

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

• A cover letter addressing each of the essential criteria described above (max. two pages)
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor should be provided
• List of publications
• Teaching portfolio if applicable

Application deadline:  24 November, 2021, at 23.59pm CET.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You may read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

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

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

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.