Postdoc Position in Sialic Acid Glycoproteomics

A two-year postdoctoral position is available in a larger project aiming at investigating the role of sialic acids in early brain development using brain organoids.

Background:
Protein glycosylation, addition of sugar units to proteins that are placed on the cell surface, is important for communication between cells and cell migration, mechanisms essential for development of organs, such as the brain. A big difference between humans and our monkey relatives is the presence of the sugar molecule called sialic acids (SA) on cell surface proteins. A mutation in the CMAH gene (an enzyme that convert N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) to N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc)) took place in humans after the common ancestor with the chimpanzee. Thus, humans have the precursor molecule for the monkey SA. This, together with other changes in enzymes for SA biology between human and monkeys could have an influence on the development of the brain and participate in human-specific features. In the present project we will use gene manipulation (CRISPR/Cas9) to modulate important genes in SA biology in stem cells and study the early brain development in stem-cell derived 3D brain organoids using Omics and imaging technology.

Qualifications for the candidate
A successful candidate should have a PhD degree in cell biology, molecular biology, glycobiology or proteomics and should be highly motivated and innovative. A candidate must have significant experience in LC-based mass spectrometry, glycoproteomics, glycopeptide analysis or proteomics. Experience in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and stem cells is a strong merit. Excellent communication and writing skills and an ability to interact socially and scientifically with other laboratory members and collaborators are essential. Previous postdoc experience and a strong publication record are also strong merits.

Deadline: 1 March 2023.

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk .