Postdoctoral Position in Functional Proteomics at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center fo...

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc with interest in proteomics and metabolism research to start 1 July 2020 or after agreement.

Background
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) is a vibrant international research environment with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Our researchers share a common purpose as they seek to transform the basic understanding of the mechanisms involved in metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge toward new prevention and treatment strategies. The Center’s research has resulted in seminal discoveries as to how genes, hormones, and environmental factors influence metabolic health and disease throughout life. You can read more about us here: www.cbmr.ku.dk.

Our group and research
The candidate will be part of the Functional Proteomics in Metabolism group (https://cbmr.ku.dk/research/integrative-metabolism-and-environmental-influences/deshmukh-group/) headed by Associate Professor Atul Deshmukh and work in close collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at University of Copenhagen.

The successful candidate will work to integrate proteomics and functional physiology, to answer basic and applied research questions related to physical exercise, diet and metabolism. He or she will be embedded within CBMR and work in a scientific environment that bridges several disciplines of proteomics and metabolic diseases.

Our facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and core facilities and the position provides unique opportunity to advance expertise in state-of-the-art quantitative mass spectrometry, data analysis of large datasets and integration of matched large-scale datasets. Striving for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility, we offer creative, friendly and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and strong scientific environment where you get the opportunity to plan your work independently to further your professional and personal development.

Project Description
MS-based proteomics allows for the investigation of protein dynamics by measuring multiple features such as expression, secretion, turnover rate, subcellular localization, interaction and post-translational modifications (PTMs). During last 10 years, MS-based proteomics has progressed tremendously due to massive improvements in samples preparation workflows, liquid chromatography (LC) and MS instrumentation, as well as sophisticated algorithms for protein quantification. For the field of metabolism, MS-based proteomics offers a robust tool for investigation of diverse research questions. In human, metabolic processes are intimately intertwined with food intake as well as physical activity. Unfortunately, the majority of today’s population engages in less exercise and is becoming more sedentary. This coupled with increased consumption of a high-caloric diet, had led to an astonishing increase in the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise improves the detrimental effects of obesity, prevents or delays the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and has other metabolically beneficial effects in both non-healthy and healthy individuals. Our understanding of how and why these diseases occur is incomplete, nor do we understand how physical activity improves and preserves overall metabolic health.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher who will apply state-of-the-art proteomics technology to investigate changes in protein dynamics with alterations in diet and/exercise, and describe their functional significance. He/she will combine a range of models (cell, rodent and human), and functional metabolic analyses with cutting edge proteomics technology.

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

Essential criteria:

• PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or related science.
• Hands-on experience using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) on Thermo Scientific instruments with standard software instrument control (Xcaliber).
• Knowledge concerning preparation of biological samples (e.g tissue, cells, plasma, serum) for MS-based proteomics.
• Experience with quantative analysis of peptides/proteins from biological material using nanoLC and MS-techniques (SRM, MRM).
• Ability to pursue and evaluate quantitative analysis and skills to analyze comple data sets using e.g. MaxQuant, Spectronaut, Skyline and other type of software for bioinformatics analysis.
• Willingness to implement new relevant methods for proteomics analysis of biological samples.
• Experience in Python, R or other programming language.
• Proven track record showing continuous scientific productivity in peer reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Independent thinking and analytical aptitude for devising innovative scientific or technical solutions.
• Demonstrate capacity for effective independent work and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility and confidence.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience with isobaric labeling (preferentially TMT).
• Experience with enrichment of PTMs.
• Previous experience in cell signaling pathways/network analysis.
• Experience in experimental design, and planning of experiments.
• Certified with FELASA laboratory animal science (or working towards certification).
• Candidates with additional background in metabolism, exercise physiology and the measurement of proteins and post-translational modifications within skeletal muscle would be highly regarded.

Terms of employment
The postdoc position is a full-time position (37 hours per week) with a duration for 2 years. Starting date is 1 July 2020 or after agreement.

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). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated.

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 positions are covered by the “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of June 28, 2013.

Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Atul Deshmukh by e-mail: [email protected].

For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected].

International 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. Curriculum vitae (maximum of 2 pages; your ORCID must be included)
3. Full list of publications (journal impact factors at publication date must be included)
4. References (name and contact details of at least two references).

Application deadline: Tuesday 19 May 19 2020, 23.59 p.m. 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 applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7800 students, 1550 PhD students and 4400 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk