Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research is committed to attract and nurture the development of young independent investigators in our unique environment. With this call we wish to recruit a Group Leader to become part of our research program Protein Structure and Function. We offer a 5-year position with possible extension pending successful peer review, starting in 2020.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research (CPR) (www.cpr.ku.dk) was established in 2007 at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied research on human proteins of medical relevance. CPR spans broad areas of protein research, ranging from structural and mechanistic understanding of proteins and protein pathways to development of clinical applications of proteomics and systems biology. The Centre is structured into five complementary research programs: Proteomics, Protein Structure and Function, Protein Signalling, Disease Systems Biology and Protein Memory (starting in 2020), each of which is supported by dedicated technology platforms.

Protein Structure and Function Program

The Protein Structure and Function Program currently consists of two research groups led by Professor Guillermo Montoya and Associate Professor Nicholas Taylor. The program also coordinates a Protein Production and Characterization Platform and the University of Copenhagen node of the National CryoEM facility.

Job description and responsibilities

We are looking for strong candidates that would develop and lead an independent, innovative research group investigating game changer questions in biology at a molecular level. We seek for applicants in the area of integrative structural biology using and/or combining cryo-electron microscopy (including cryo-electron tomography), crystallography and biophysical approaches towards the mechanistic understanding of cellular processes. The ideal candidate should be complementary to the current interests and analytical expertise in the Protein Structure and Function Program and with a high potential to integrate within the other CPR programs through interdisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including associated examination
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments

Required qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Ph.D. degree followed by at least some years of postdoctoral experience in protein research, ideally covering proficiency in major structural biology techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and X-Ray crystallography in combination with biochemical, biophysical and cellular approaches.
• Evidence for robust scientific problem-solving skills and an established publication track record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Eligibility for, and desire to expand the proposed research program through prestigious external grants such as the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant, Novo Nordisk Foundation Young Investigator Award, and others.
• Commitment to asking creative research questions in the broad field of structural biology.
• Solid proficiency in analytical proteins technologies, preferably complementary to those that are already present in CPR.
• Experience with research-based teaching.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues, research management and senior leadership across research groups and programs.

What we offer

CPR offers a 5-year position with a possible extension pending the outcome of a quinquennial peer review. To ensure an excellent and dynamic scientific environment, group leaders at CPR undergo quinquennial reviews with the possibility for extension for 5-year periods. We provide a competitive package with group leader salary, lab and office space, and free access to our state-of-the-art technological platforms. CPR will support the investigator in applications for external funding to expand their group operation. We will also provide mentoring and administrative support to promote independent and productive research careers.

CPR is a highly international environment with English as the main language. We are located in central Copenhagen, a city with one of the highest qualities of life in the world and a vibrant and highly interactive research environment. The University of Copenhagen has a strong focus on balancing professional life with a family-friendly working environment (http://www.ism.ku.dk/faq).

Terms of employment

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2013.

Questions

We are looking for candidates with complementary interests to the ongoing research and analytical expertise in the Protein Structure and Function Program and with a high potential to integrate with other CPR programs through interdisciplinary projects. For further information, please contact Program coordinator Lotta Avesson (tel 53673120 or [email protected]).

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

Application

The application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Motivation letter (Maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including a complete list of publications
• Diplomas (Copies of Master’s, PhD, and other relevant certificates)
• Research plan (3‐5 pages)

The application should be written in English and contain CV, synopsis of past scientific achievements, and an outline of a 5-year research plan (the latter should not exceed 5 pages). The applicant should also provide names of at least two or three leading scientists that could provide reference letters. Emphasis will be put on originality of research proposal and ability to formulate how the candidate’s scientific interests and methodological skills would benefit from, and contribute to, the current CPR structure.

When applying for the position, please upload blank documents under "Teaching portfolio" and "Teaching plan".

Application procedure

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. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to assess the selected applicants for the specific post. 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 jobportal.ku.dk.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments. Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, Friday 31 January 2020.

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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.

InfoApplication deadline: 31-01-2020Employment start: Start as soon as possibleDepartment/Location: Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Research

Kilde: Jobnet.dk