Assistant Professor of Structural Biology at the NNF Center of Protein Research

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor who to join the Structural Biology of Molecular machines group (Taylor group) for a 2 year and 3 months position to commence (start date: 1 October 2024).

The position aims to contribute to unravelling the structural basis of anti-bacteriophage defense systems.

Information on the department can be found at: [xxxxx]

Our research
Several complex biological molecular machineries exist that transfer molecules across lipid bilayers. In the group, we use a combination of cryo-electron microscopy and functional techniques to investigate the structure and mechanism of these systems. Of special interest to us are contractile injection systems related to contractile bacteriophages which inject DNA and proteins into the cell. Recently, we also started investigating how bacterial cells protect themselves against these phage attacks.

Our overarching goal is to elucidate how transport across the membrane is achieved as well as regulated. We aim to uncover shared principles as well as fundamental differences between membrane transport systems and are especially interested in investigating these machineries in a near-native, lipid bilayer environment. Apart from gaining fundamental insight into transport across the membrane, our results can also aid structure-based drug design.

Your job

We strive to uncover the structural basis of bacteriophage defense systems, building on our prior work (Hu et al., bioRxiv, 2023). We will use a combination of structural biology (cryo-EM) and in collaboration, bacterial studies, mass spectrometry and light microscopy to characterize these defense systems. For this, we aim to recruit a researcher at the assistant professor level. Another task of the assistant professor is to contribute to our ongoing research on the bacterial flagellar motor. You will also contribute to teaching.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: [xxxxx]

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Structural Biology, Molecular Biology or Structural Dynamics of Macromolecules
• You are highly experienced in single particle cryo-electron microscopy
• Experience in atomic model building and refinement
• Proficiency in molecular cloning
• Proficiency in the purification and structure determination of membrane proteins
• Experience with DNA binding and nuclease assays
• Experience with anti-phage defense systems
• Experience with bacterial flagellar motor research
• You have student supervision experience
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with DNA binding and nuclease assays

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the NNF Center for Protein Research, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and including access to cryo-EM facilities at the Core Facility for Integrated Microscopy.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years and 3 months. The start date is 1 October 2024.

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) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 40,615.31 DKK/approx. 5,400 EUR (April 2024- 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.

Questions
For further information please contact Nicholas Taylor [xxxxx] [xxxxx]

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: [xxxxx] Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your 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
5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: 28 May 2024, 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 [xxxxx]

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

Interviews are expected to be held in week 26 and 27

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Kilde: [xxxxx]