Postdoc in membrane protein structural biology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences

The Autzen Group is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow in membrane protein structural biology in a two-year position at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark. The position is set to start 1st of October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The fellow will become part of the Projects “Changing the channel: Structure-function coupled ligand discovery for acid sensors” and “NHE6-driven metabolic regulation at the endosomal membrane” funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, focused on drug discovery and characterization of human membrane proteins from native sources.

We offer you

• An exciting and stimulating research project set in a creative, scientifically strong, and international academic research environment.
• An open and inclusive work and research environment with dedicated colleagues.
• Room for personal and professional development.

Our group and research The Autzen Group is focused on characterizing membrane proteins involved in a range of cellular pathways to delineate their basic function and therapeutic potential. In extension, our group is actively developing tools for detergent-free membrane protein purification to conserve native protein-lipid interactions. We house state-of-the-art facilities for mammalian protein production, purification, biochemical and biophysical characterizations, a cluster for high-performance computing of cryo-EM data and have access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM facilities at the Core Facility for Integrated Microscopy (CFIM) located on campus.

The Autzen Group consists of eight full-time members (1 postdoc, 4 PhD students, 1 lab technician, 2 research assistants) and is part of the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences. You can read more about the Autzen Group here: Autzen Group - BMI

The Autzen Group is built on community, trust, openness, honesty, and solidarity and strives to embody the scientific method, objectivity, and reproducibility. We value open science, knowledge and data sharing and science communication to a wider audience, ultimately bridging the gap between society and research.

You can read more about the Autzen Lab and our core values on our website.

Project description

You will engage in two exciting projects, each with its unique focus and challenges, with membrane protein-facilitated pH homeostasis at it’s centre.

Acid Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs): In this project, you will delve into the world of ASICs, critical players in cellular pH regulation. Your tasks will include detailed structural analysis of ASICs, exploring potential drug candidates that could modulate ASIC activity. Collaborating with team members from the laboratories led by Professor Stephan A. Pless and Associate Professor Joseph M. Rogers, you will contribute to advancing our understanding of a fascinating membrane protein important for our perception of pain.

Na+/H+ Exchangers (NHEs): The second project centres around NHEs, transporters essential for maintaining intracellular pH homeostasis. Your mission will be to purify NHE6 from native tissue. Working closely with team members in the laboratories led by Professors Stine F. Pedersen and Birthe B. Kragelund, your work will have direct implications for cellular health and disease.

In both projects, you will use integrative structural biology, combining biophysical and biochemical techniques with single-particle cryo-EM to gain unprecedented molecular insight into ASIC and NHE pharmacology and biology. You will work in a highly collaborative environment and are expected to participate in mentoring PhD students and other junior researchers in the Autzen group.

Profile We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with an interest in structural characterization of native membrane protein complexes with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in structural biology.
• Excellent scientific track record, including a first-author publication within the field of structural biology.
• Experience with recombinant protein production and purification.
• Manage and coordinate various projects and stakeholders concurrently.
• Experience in data management and reporting.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and thrive working as part of a team.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, with good interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of motivation, responsibility, and ability to work in a structured manner.

As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on publications, and relevant work or research experiences.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Membrane protein production and purification.
• Single-particle cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and/or NMR.
• Single-particle cryo-EM data processing and/or protein modelling.
• Working with Linux operating systems.
• Basic programming (Bash, MatLab or Python).

Place of employment The place of employment is at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen within the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology. Home to six labs specializing in G protein-coupled receptors, our theme hosts an international and interdisciplinary workplace, offering a vibrant, creative, and innovative research environment, set in modern lab facilities. Read more about our theme and individual groups here:

https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molecular-and-translational-pharmacology/

Living in Copenhagen, Denmark Despite cold and rainy days in plenty, Denmark is among the happiest according to the World Happiness Report and Copenhagen is regularly ranked among top 5 cities to live in, particularly for expats. Whether you are into ancient sculptures or contemporary art, opera or heavy metal, Copenhagen is ready to teach, inspire and entertain. Furthermore, with an extensive public transportation system, beautiful, tranquil nature is only minutes away from the city center.

For more information on working and living in Denmark, visit University of Copenhagen’s website on International Staff Mobility and WorkinDenmark:

For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

Workindenmark

Terms of employment The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to two years and four months with the possibility of extension. The start date is 1st of October or after agreement.

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 38,500 DKK/approx. 5,100 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 Associate Professor Henriette E. Autzen, henriette.autzen(at)sund.ku.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 (max. two pages).
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 or institution is accepted.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: July 14th, 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. The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement. Once the assessment work has been completed, each applicant may comment on the part of the assessment that relates to themself.

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.

Interviews are expected to be held in mid to late August, 2024, in two rounds, the first online.

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

Kilde: Jobnet.dk