Postdoctoral position in ADP-ribosylation signaling & proteomics

A fully funded postdoctoral fellow position is available in the group of Professor Dr. Michael L. Nielsen, focusing on Proteomics Technology Development & Application, at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR – www.cpr.ku.dk ">http://www.cpr.ku.dk">www.cpr.ku.dk). The center has been established at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied discovery research on human proteins of medical relevance. The center comprises a wide range of expertise and resources including proteomics, protein production, and characterization of disease mechanisms.

The Nielsen group focuses on developing novel proteomics technologies for detailing cellular outcomes in a systems-level approach, with the aim to improve current understanding of cellular phenotypes and diseases. To this end, the selected candidate will employ cutting-edge mass spectrometry (MS)-based strategies for identification and quantification of post-translational modifications (PTMs).

Project Descriptions
The entailed project will focus on applying systemic proteomic strategies for investigations into the cellular consequences and biological processes related to ADP-ribosylation, and the enzymatic machinery responsible for the dynamic regulation of the modification. The Nielsen lab has pioneered the Af1521 enrichment strategy for studying ADP-ribosylation across cells, tissue samples, model systems, or patient material to gain novel insights into the molecular mechanisms surrounding this emerging PTM. The ideal candidate is expected to apply our proteomic technologies to address challenging biological questions, and to make a strong scientific impact in the ADP-ribosylation field, and related research areas. To achieve this, we are looking for a candidate with an excellent publication record that will thrive in a supportive and multi-disciplinary environment.

Candidates applying to the position should ideally indicate which research area they are interested in:

Project 1 - Method development:

Our lab has pioneered cutting-edge MS methodology for the unbiased and systemic study of ADP-ribosylation, and a large portion of contemporary proteomics knowledge in the field was generated in our lab. Still, there are technical hurdles to overcome with regard to sample preparation and MS-technical method development, and the analysis and stratification of the generated data could be further improved. The ideal candidate would be expected to assess current methodology in order to improve upon it, or systematically integrate currently available MS data in order to provide a comprehensive overview or perform meta-analysis.

Project 2 - Method application:

The entailed project will focus on applying systemic proteomic strategies for investigations into the cellular consequences and biological processes related to ADP-ribosylation, and the enzymatic machinery responsible for the dynamic regulation of the modification. ADP-ribosylation has emerged as a vital PTM in many cellular processes, including transcription, DNA damage, chromatin modulation, RNA processing, metabolomics, protein localization, and many others. For the majority of PARP enzymes, their biological roles remains enigmatic and analyzing their functional implications by MS-based proteomics will aid this understanding. The ideal candidate is expected to apply our proteomic technologies to address challenging biological questions, and to make a strong scientific impact in the ADP-ribosylation field, and related research areas.

Estimated start date: Autumn/Winter, 2022.

Qualifications

• The candidates are required to have PhD or equivalent degree.
• Excellent scientific track record, including at least one first-author publication in a high quality, peer reviewed international journal.
• Prior experience with studying ADP-ribosylation or PARP biology will be considered a distinct advantage for project 2.
• Prior knowledge with establishing proteomics methodologies, sample handling processes and automation, will be considered a distinct advantage for project 1.
• Knowledge in one or more of the following area(s) would be considered an advantage: molecular and cell biology, cell signaling, chromatin biology, proteomics, or Systems biology
• Experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics, or complementary methodologies like microscopy, will be considered an advantage.
• The candidate should be able to conduct independent and creative research, demonstrate scientific productivity, and show good inter-personal and communication skills.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written.
• An analytical aptitude for devising innovative scientific or technical solutions.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility and confidence.

Place of employment and work

The employment is at CPR (www.cpr.ku.dk ">http://www.cpr.ku.dk">www.cpr.ku.dk), University of Copenhagen, located in central Copenhagen. The research environment at CPR is vibrant, ambitious, and international, with approx. 30 different nationalities currently represented. The center comprises modern laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities within protein science. Seminars with high-profile international speakers and regular internal research seminars are organized at CPR.

Terms of salary and employment
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). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 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.

Application
Your application should be submitted electronically, and your application should include the following documents:

1. Motivated letter of application, including an outline for research projects of interest.

2. Curriculum vitae, incl. education and experience

3. List of publications

4. Letters of recommendation

5. Names and contact details for two referees

For further information about the position, please contact CPR: Jobs">mailto:[email protected]">Jobs @cpr.ku.dk 

Deadline for application: June 21, 2022

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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 ">http://employment.ku.dk