PhD Position in Advanced Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics

Application deadline: 1 June 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
About the Project
The Protein Research Group at the University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a PhD position in advanced mass spectrometry development, with a focus on negative ion mode proteomics to enhance bacterial proteome coverage. This project aims to improve the detection of acidic proteins, contributing to a better understanding of bacterial biology and unlocking new biotechnological applications.

Current proteomics approaches rely almost exclusively on positive ion mode, which leads to inefficient ionization of many acidic peptides. However, acidic and alkaline proteins are almost equally abundant in most organisms, highlighting the need to develop and optimize negative ion mode techniques. This project will advance the next generation of proteomics, bridging this fundamental gap and expanding analytical capabilities.

What We Offer

• Cutting-Edge Research: Work on an emerging area of proteomics with high potential for discovery and application.
• Advanced Methodologies: Develop novel mass spectrometric techniques to improve proteome analysis.
• Collaborative Environment: Join an interdisciplinary team with microbiology, bioinformatics, and mass spectrometry expertise.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access Orbitrap Eclipse, Orbitrap Astral, TIMSTOF Ultra2, and other high-end instrumentation.
• International Exposure: Present findings at leading conferences and collaborate with experienced researchers.
• Benefit from competitive salary and social benefits, including health coverage and support for international candidates (relocation, visa assistance).

Your Role
As a PhD student, you will:

• Develop and optimize negative ion mode mass spectrometry for improved detection of acidic proteins in bacterial proteomes, including different fragmentation experiments, peptide library analysis, and optimizing ionization conditions. The ultimate goal is to integrate key negative ion mode features into computational workflows for enhanced proteome analysis.
• Refine bacterial lysis methods for unbiased protein recovery.
• Establish a high-throughput proteomics platform by integrating positive and negative ion modes and optimizing ultra-short liquid chromatography gradients.
• Publish research in high-impact journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Complete PhD coursework (~30 ECTS) and contribute to teaching and dissemination activities.

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated candidate with:

• A Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience or strong interest in proteomics, mass spectrometry, and/or bioinformatics/computational proteomics.
• A solid understanding of protein chemistry.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with a passion for scientific research.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

About Us
The Protein Research Group (PRG) at the University of Southern Denmark is internationally recognized for its pioneering research in proteomics and mass spectrometry, with a focus on expanding proteome coverage, post-translational modification characterization, and advancing biomedical and technological applications. Our research spans fundamental gas-phase chemistry, protein structural analysis, cancer research, and neuroscience.

Located in Odense, just an hour from Copenhagen, the PRG offers a stimulating and inclusive research environment that values collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and knowledge-sharing, we provide a supportive setting for early-career researchers to develop their expertise, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and contribute to innovative scientific discoveries.

The PRG consists of eight research groups and over 50 scientists, postdocs, and students, fostering a collaborative and internationally connected research environment. The group maintains strong partnerships with leading international experts, ensuring high-impact contributions to biological mass spectrometry, biomedical research, and clinical proteomics.

Application deadline: 1 June 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Start Date: Hiring starts as soon as possible and no later than 15 September 2025
For further information, contact: Professor Frank Kjeldsen, frankk@bmb.sdu.dkProtein Research Group, University of Southern Denmark

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Please check links for more information on salary (only available in Danish) and taxation.

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) .
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades.
• At least one signed reference letter. Should your referees wish to send their letter directly to us, please have them use e-mail: solda@sdu.dk mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline.
• Contact details (phone numbers and e-mail) for at least 2 referees who can vouch for your skills.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply: FAQ" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

Placering: Odense, Denmark