Postdoc in Development of improved seed amplification assays for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

Updated: over 2 years ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Dec 2021

A research opportunity is now available, funded by a grant from the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The aim of the project is to help make a better diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies, by translating existing bulk assays into a microfluidic format. The project will be carried out in close collaboration between the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at DTU and the company Lundbeck. The close physical proximity of DTU and Lundbeck will enable the project to benefit fully from the resources and expertise at both institutions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Decisive criterion is relevant experience with the protein system (alpha-synuclein) and technology platforms (droplet microfluidics) of the project.

The aims of the project are to transform existing seed amplification assays into a droplet microfluidics format. We expect the successful candidate to take full ownership of the project and to drive if forward independently.

Tasks:

  • Expression and purification of different alpha-synuclein variants.
  • Optimisation of solution conditions of seed amplification assays, including the use of biological matrices
  • Biophysical characterisation and imaging of patient-derived and synthetic alpha-synuclein amyloid fibrils
  • Translation of seed amplification assays into microfluidic water-in-oil emulsions.
  • Characterisation of the performance of this diagnostic platform with patient-derived samples

Required qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in experimental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or Biotechnology.
  • Practical experience with recombinant protein production, biophysical characterisation of aggregating proteins and microfluidic methods
  • Excellent English communication skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills and interest in working in a team of multiple partners.

Key selection criteria:
  • Professional qualifications relevant for the position.
  • Publications.
  • Relevant work experience.
  • Language skills.
  • Creative thinking.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Lundbeck is a leading pharmaceutical company, specialised on the development of drugs for disorders of the central nervous system. Our company has had a focus on innovation in diagnosis and therapy of Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The employment will start on the 1.2.2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. The employment is fixed term for two years.

You can read more about http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Alexander K. Buell, tel.: +45 4525 4061, email: mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 31 December 2021 (Danish time). Apply at http://www.career.dtu.dk <br">www.career.dtu.dk <>< a=""> />
To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form. The following must be attached in English:

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Diploma (MSc and, if available, PhD)
  • List of publications

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.Postdoc in Development of improved seed amplification assays for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

A research opportunity is now available, funded by a grant from the Michael J. Fox foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The aim of the project is to help make a better diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease and related synucleinopathies, by translating existing bulk assays into a microfluidic format. The project will be carried out in close collaboration between the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at DTU and the company Lundbeck. The close physical proximity of DTU and Lundbeck will enable the project to benefit fully from the resources and expertise at both institutions.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Decisive criterion is relevant experience with the protein system (alpha-synuclein) and technology platforms (droplet microfluidics) of the project.

The aims of the project are to transform existing seed amplification assays into a droplet microfluidics format. We expect the successful candidate to take full ownership of the project and to drive if forward independently.

Tasks:

  • Expression and purification of different alpha-synuclein variants.
  • Optimisation of solution conditions of seed amplification assays, including the use of biological matrices
  • Biophysical characterisation and imaging of patient-derived and synthetic alpha-synuclein amyloid fibrils
  • Translation of seed amplification assays into microfluidic water-in-oil emulsions.
  • Characterisation of the performance of this diagnostic platform with patient-derived samples

Required qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in experimental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or Biotechnology.
  • Practical experience with recombinant protein production, biophysical characterisation of aggregating proteins and microfluidic methods
  • Excellent English communication skills.
  • Good interpersonal skills and interest in working in a team of multiple partners.

Key selection criteria:
  • Professional qualifications relevant for the position.
  • Publications.
  • Relevant work experience.
  • Language skills.
  • Creative thinking.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Lundbeck is a leading pharmaceutical company, specialised on the development of drugs for disorders of the central nervous system. Our company has had a focus on innovation in diagnosis and therapy of Parkinson’s disease for more than a decade.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The employment will start on the 1.2.2022, or as soon as possible t

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