OPENINGS IN THE AUTZEN GROUP
POSTDOC in MEMBRANE PROTEIN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
Are you looking for a postdoc in membrane protein structural biology where you will be professionally challenged, have a large social network, and where everyday life never becomes monotonous? Then you might be our new team member.
We are looking for a postdoctoral research fellow in membrane protein structural biology in a two-year position 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.
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).
Application deadline is July 21st 2024.
The position is set to start 1st of October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter and limited to two years with the possibility for extension.
Reseach environment
The successful applicant will become a member of a young and vibrant research group consisting of eight full-time members (1 postdoc, 4 PhD students, 1 lab technician, 2 research assistants) and part of the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences consisting of approximately 50 members. We house state-of-the-art facilities for large-scale 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.
Our lab 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.
We offer exciting and stimulating research projects in an inclusive, creative, strong and international environment with room for personal and professional development.
Informal inquiries should be sent directly to Henriette.
❄
The Autzen Group welcomes applicants of any ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, caregiver and family commitments, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and eligible age or ability or another personal background. Henriette is committed to maintaining a supportive and collaborative lab environment.
Read more about the Autzen Lab philosophy →
Despite cold and rainy days in plenty, Denmark is among the happiest according to the World Happiness Report (WHR) and Copenhagen is regularly ranked among top 5 cities to live in, particularly for European expats. Most Copenhageners still choose the bike to commute to work with, as there is no such thing as bad weather, only poorly chosen outer layer of clothes.