Postdoc in lipid regulation of G protein-coupled receptors at the Department of Biomedical Sciences

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic researcher with a strong interest in membrane protein structure and function for a two-year postdoctoral position to commence on May 1st 2023.  

About us

In the Gustavsson group, we aim to understand the molecular details of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) receptor function and regulation and translate our findings to biological function. We combine characterization of receptor pharmacology in cells and reconstituted systems with characterization of receptor structure and dynamics using NMR, cryo-EM and other methods.

The group is located in the Section of Molecular Pharmacology (Molpharm, https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molpharm/ ) in the Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI, https://bmi.ku.dk/ ), which is an interdisciplinary department with research groups focused on topics spanning from basic to translational science. MolPharm encompasses multiple research groups centered around GPCR research spanning from molecular scale characterization to in vivo studies and clinical trials. We offer a dynamic and collaborative environment where students, postdocs, technicians and scientists from various cultures work together on a variety of interdisciplinary projects.

The project

GPCRs relay signals from the outside to the inside of the cell by coupling to G proteins and other intracellular mediators. GPCRs are the targets of around 30% of approved drugs and development of new and improved therapies is a major focus of academic groups and companies worldwide.

Chemokines drive cell migration through interactions with chemokine receptors, thereby controlling the immune system, development and other functions. Chemokine receptors and other GPCRs are dynamic proteins and regulated by a number of cellular factors including membrane lipids. We have identified specific lipids with different functional effects on chemokine receptors. The project aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms of lipid regulation using a combination of structural and functional experiments in cells and reconstituted systems. Your tasks will include expression, purification and reconstitution of receptors and characterization of receptor structure, dynamics and function.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or similar
• Experience with protein expression and purification, preferably involving membrane proteins
• An active interest in structure and function of G protein-coupled receptors
• Good communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with structural biology methods (cryo-EM, NMR etc) for protein characterization
• Knowledge of GPCR signalling and pharmacology
• Experience with culturing of eukaryotic cells for protein expression

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art equipment.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is May 1st, 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,700 DKK/approx. 4,798 EUR (October 2022 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Martin Gustavsson; [email protected] or +4520828221

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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

3. 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.

4. List of publications.

Application deadline: January 29th 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.

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.