Postdoc/Assistant professor in Chemical Biology at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
The University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious post-doc for a three-year position in Chemical Biology. The position is available from 1 June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research
In the Strømgaard lab, we combine tools from chemistry and biology, and apply these in studies of therapeutic peptides and proteins. Our aims are to develop modulators for protein-protein interactions and to provide molecular-level insight herein. We are interested in protein-protein interactions that are therapeutically relevant, in particular between integral membrane proteins and their intracellular protein partners, also known as receptor complexes.

Job description
The position is part of a Lundbeck Foundation Collaborative Project (https://lundbeckfonden.com/en/proteiners-dynamik-syge-hjernes-biologi ) with the aim to explore a recently discovered and exciting new biological phenomenon, the formation of biomolecular condensates by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and how this emerging field can lead to entirely novel concepts to treat brain diseases. The postdoc will investigate LLPS of postsynaptic density (PSD) proteins with a focus on their role in neurological disorders. The project runs in close collaboration with Mingjie Zhang (Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China). Ultimately, the developed probes will lead to modulation of biomolecular condensates at the PSD balancing diseased states of neuronal excitation and inhibition.

Career development within research and education is part of the position. The candidate can gain relevant teaching experience (10% of the time), which will support the development of a relevant teaching track record and portfolio.

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 biochemistry, chemical biology, microbiology, biotechnology or within similar disciplines
• You are highly experienced in protein expression and purification, protein modifications, biophysical assays
• You have an active interest in working with biologically active peptides
• You have an active interest in the biological evaluation of compounds that target biomolecular condensates
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in either biochemistry or microbiology, as documented by strong publications. Hands-on experience with both liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and microscopy will be seen as favorable.

Supervisor: Professor Kristian Strømgaard, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology.

Start
1 June 2023, or soon thereafter

Duration
3 years as a Postdoc/assistant professor

Our department
Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology is committed to research-based teaching and interdisciplinary research that supports the development and understanding of chemical and pharmacological properties of drugs and drug targets. We work as part of a dynamic academic community of research, education and innovation within the Pharmaceutical Sciences bridging Health Sciences and Life Sciences.

Information about the Department can be found at https://drug.ku.dk/ .

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for synthesis, compound characterization, and biochemical assays.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of three years. The starting date is 1 June 2023 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,290 DKK/approx. 5,170 EUR (April 2023 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020. 

Questions
For further information please contact Kristian Strømgaard, e-mail[email protected] . 
www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk  (International Staff Mobility).

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:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• 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 will do.
• List of publications.
• Letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications is 1 April 2023, 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 has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can 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.

Interviews are expected to be held in primo March 2023

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

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.