Postdoctoral fellow in protein engineering at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our cutting-edge research team, funded by a prestigious ERC Advanced Grant (INTETOOLS). The project aims to enhance the RNA-guided integration activity and specificity of CRISPR-Associated transposon systems (CAST). Using genetic, biochemical approaches including phage-assisted evolution. We aim to develop advanced molecular tools for precise genomic integration applications, with potential far-reaching impact in gene therapy, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. The successful candidate will work in the Structural Molecular Biology research group headed by Prof. Guillermo Montoya at the University of Copenhagen.

More information on CPR can be found at: https://www.cpr.ku.dk

Our research
We are located at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (https://www.cpr.ku.dk/). The institute was established in 2007 at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied research. CPR spans broad areas of protein research, ranging from structural and mechanistic understanding of protein complexes to protein pathways. The Center is structured into five complementary research programs: Proteomics, Protein Structure and Function, Protein Signaling, Disease Systems Biology and Protein Memory, each of which is supported by dedicated technology platforms. The Montoya Group is part of the Protein Structure and Function at NNF CPR, a multidisciplinary and international research center with a highly collaborative research environment and cutting-edge core facilities, such as genomics, proteomics, protein imaging, protein production and characterization, big data management platforms.

Your job
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and collaborative individual who is passionate and dedicated to use their expertise in making impactful contributions to the discovery and to the design of new genome engineering tools.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and execute protein engineering experiments to improve RNA-guided integration efficiency and specificity by CAST systems.
• Utilize phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) and related techniques to evolve novel protein variants.
• Apply biochemical assays to characterize protein-RNA interactions and integration mechanisms.
• Collaborate with computational biologists to integrate structural predictions and evolutionary data.
• Present research findings at international conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Participate in the supervision and mentoring of graduate students and research assistants.

Qualifications and Experience:
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following qualifications and experience

• A PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Expertise in protein engineering, with experience in directed evolution, phage display, or PACE systems being highly desirable.
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas or related genome editing systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, protein purification, and biochemical assays.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent command of English language both written and spoken.

What we offer:

• An opportunity to work on a high-impact ERC-funded project with significant potential for innovation.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and collaborative opportunities within a multidisciplinary team.
• A vibrant and supportive research environment at one of the leading institutions in Europe.
• Career development support, including opportunities for international collaboration and professional growth.

Place of employment
The place of employment is at CPR (www.cpr.ku.dk), a Novo Nordisk Foundation center of excellence established in 2007 and embedded in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic and applied research on human proteins of medical relevance. The Center comprises modern laboratories, supercomputer resources and state-of-the- art facilities within protein science and genomics. CPR is an interdisciplinary international environment with English as the main language. We are located in central Copenhagen, a city with one of the highest qualities of life in the world and a vibrant and highly interactive research environment. The University of Copenhagen has a strong focus on balancing professional life with a family-friendly working environment https://www.ism.ku.dk/faq.

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

The position is limited to a period of 2 years with possible prolongation upon performance. The starting date is 1 February 2025 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 35,570 DKK/approx. 4,774 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 Guillermo Montoya; e-mail: [email protected]; www.sund.ku.dk
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

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:

• A detailed CV including a list of publications
• A cover letter describing your research experience, motivation for the position, and future career goals.
• 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.
• Contact details for at least two academic referees.

Deadline for applications: 6 November 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.

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 during mid-November.

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

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt
Guillermo Montoya
E-mail: [email protected]

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 06-11-2024

Ansættelsesdato: 01-02-2025

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research