Postdoc in Proteomics and Vesicle Biology

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher who will apply state-of-the-art proteomics technology to discover secreted proteins released via extracellular vesicles in response to 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. The position is a 2-year position to start November 11, 2021 or after agreement.

Background
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research’s vision is to strengthen interdisciplinary research that transforms our basic understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metabolic health and disease, and to accelerate this knowledge towards new prevention and treatment strategies. We were established in 2010, and in 2017, we moved into new laboratories, offices and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower­: www.maersktower.ku.dk.

The Center has around 240 employees who work in an international, highly collaborative research environment across a range of biomedical disciplines. You can read more about us here: www.cbmr.ku.dk.

Our group and research
Our goal is to investigate protein dynamics and how they relate to metabolism. By using Mass-Spectrometry-based proteomics, we provide detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate whole-body metabolism. We uncover new insights into metabolic disease, and strategies for their prevention and treatment. You can read more about the Deshmukh Group here.

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 the 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.

Your job
The current position is in the Program for Integrative Physiology and Environmental Influences. The candidate will be part of the Functional Proteomics in Metabolism group headed by Associate Professor Atul Deshmukh and work in close collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the 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.

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
• Knowledge concerning isolation of extracellular vesicles using centrifugation based and size-exclusion chromatography-based approaches.
• Hands on experience working with Transmission emission microscopy and Nano Particle Tracking equipment – ZetaView for characterizing extracellular vesicles.
• Knowledge concerning preparation of biological samples (e.g. tissue, cells, plasma, serum) for MS-based proteomics ·Experience working with different peptide fragmentation strategies.
• Ability to pursue and evaluate quantitative analysis and skills to analyze complete data sets using e.g. MaxQuant, Spectronaut, and other type of software for bioinformatics analysis.
• Documented experience in molecular and cellular biology experiments such as immunoblotting, immunoprecipitations, qPCR, ELISAs and high-resolution respirometry.
• Experience with performing various metabolic assays in muscle, liver and adipose cell lines
• 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:

• Certified with FELASA laboratory animal science (or working towards certification)

Relationships:

• The holder of the position will report to Assoc. Prof. Atul Deshmukh.
• The holder of the position is expected to interact with staff at all levels, both internally and externally, regarding relevant research topics.

Start: November 11, 2021 or after agreement
Duration: 2 years as Postdoc

Place of employment
The place of employment is at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Maersk Tower, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The employment as Postdoc is 37 working hours per week in average and a fixed-term position for 2 years.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 34,800 DKK/ approx. 4,700 Euro (April 2021-level) plus an employer paid pension contribution of 17,1%. 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 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 Atul Deshmukh at [email protected]. For questions regarding the recruitment procedure, please contact SUND HR CBMR at [email protected].

International applicants may find these links useful www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and https://www.workindenmark.dk/.

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: 1 September 2021, 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 http://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.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk