Part time academic employee to the Structural Molecular Biology group, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research

The Structural Molecular Biology group led by Professor Guillermo Montoya at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), University of Copenhagen, is offering a part time position on 15 hours per week from February 2023.

About CPR and our research
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) (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 Montoya Group (https://www.cpr.ku.dk/research/protein-structure-function-program/montoya/ ) works in the interface between biology, physics and chemistry and uses molecular biology, X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to dissect the working mechanisms of the macromolecules that constitute the cell’s machinery.

Job description
In this project we want to enhance our understanding the molecular mechanism of target recognition and DNA integration of a novel CRISPR-Cas-associated transposon. Specifically, the interaction between the different components of the system (Cas proteins, transposon encoded proteins and nucleic acids) will be assessed through a combination of different biochemical and biophysical techniques (pulldown and activity assays, mass photometry, gel filtration chromatography, cryo-EM, etc). Different mutants will be used to validate the results. If a stable complex is obtained, the possibility of performing cryo-EM will be open to obtain structural insights. Overall, the project will unravel how CRISPR-Cas and transposases work together to achieve DNA transposition.

You will work closely together with a PhD student in the Montoya group to support this project.

Tasks include:

• Pulldown assays
• Protein purification (Affinity, ionic exchange, and size exclusion chromatography)
• Possibly electron microscopy
• Participate in planning and evaluation of experiments
• Participate in other activities such as seminars and similar with the research group

Experience and skills required

• BSc in relevant field
• Good general knowledge of molecular biology and protein biochemistry.
• Experience with protein purification and pulldown assays
• Good communication skills, both oral and written English
• We are seeking someone who has integrity, is highly motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic.
• The ability to efficiently work as part of a team is essential.  

Employment Conditions

Start: February 2023 or after agreement.
Duration: Permanent position.

The employment as an Academic employee is 15 working hours per week in average and a permanent position. The employment is set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). The monthly salary will be based on the number of years of work experience (seniority) with the possibility to negotiate a salary supplement based on prior experiences and qualifications. The employer will pay a monthly contribution of 17.1 % to a pension fund.

Questions
For questions about the position contact Guillermo Montoya [email protected] .

Foreign applicants may find the following links useful: https://ism.ku.dk/ (International Staff Mobility) and www.workindenmark.dk . 

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

• Motivated application in English
• Curriculum vitae
• Relevant certificates

Deadline for application: 1 December 2022, 23.59 p.m. 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 University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

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.