Post doc in Chemical Biology

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious post-doc for a two-year position in Chemical Biology. The position is available from April 15th 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research

In the Strømgaard lab, we combine tools from chemistry and biology, and apply these in studies of therapeutic peptides and proteins. Our aims are to develop modulators for protein-protein interactions and to provide molecular-level insight herein. We are interested in protein-protein interactions that are therapeutically relevant, in particular between integral membrane proteins and their intracellular protein partners, also known as receptor complexes.

Job description

The project is focused on developing peptide modulators of GABAB receptor associated protein-protein interactions (PPIs) which presents a novel target within cognitive enhancing. Specifically, the aim of the project is to i) develop peptide-based modulators exclusively targeting presynaptic GABAB receptors; ii) perform target engagement and functional characterization of the developed modulators in vitro and iii) advance lead compounds by therapeutic maturation for in vivo studies in relevant mouse models to examine cognition enhancing effects.

Career development within research and education is part of the position. The candidate can gain relevant teaching experience (10% of the time), which will support the development of a relevant teaching track record and portfolio.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in chemical biology or within similar disciplines
• You are highly experienced in peptide synthesis, peptide arrays and PK/PD studies of peptides
• You have an active interest in working with biologically active peptides targeting proteins in the brain
• You have an active interest in the biological evaluation of compounds that target protein-protein interactions in the brain
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in either peptide chemistry, as documented by strong publications. Hands-on experience with both peptide synthesis, peptide arrays and PK/PD studies of peptides will be seen as favorable.

Supervisor: Professor Kristian Strømgaard, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology.

Start
15 April 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter

Duration
2 year as a Postdoc

Our department

Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology is committed to research-based teaching and interdisciplinary research that supports the development and understanding of chemical and pharmacological properties of drugs and drug targets. We work as part of a dynamic academic community of research, education and innovation within the Pharmaceutical Sciences bridging Health Sciences and Life Sciences.

Information about the Department can be found at https://drug.ku.dk/

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure for synthesis, compound characterization, and biochemical assays.

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 two years. The starting date is April 15th 2024 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 another relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 36,400 DKK/approx. 4,880 EUR (October 2023 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 Kristian Strømgaard, e-mail[email protected]   
www.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:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
• 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.
• List of publications.
• Letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications is 4 March 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 https://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 March 2024

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

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.