Postdoc in Deep Mutational Scanning at the Department of Biology

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent Post Doc to lead a 2-year project focused on Deep Mutational Scanning applied to Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) in yeast cells to commence 1 May 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research

The research group investigates how cells maintain protein homeostasis through the protein quality control (PQC) system and how defects in these pathways contribute to disease and aging. Research activities combine molecular genetics, functional genomics, and advanced high-throughput technologies to dissect the mechanisms governing protein folding, degradation, and cellular stress responses.

A central focus is the development and application of Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) approaches to systematically characterize the functional consequences of genetic variation in selected IDPs in yeast cells. This will require developing and integrating multiplexed assays to uncover sequence–function relationships and map the cellular pathways that influence variant effects. This work provides fundamental insights into PQC and protein interaction networks and contributes to improved interpretation of human genetic variation in health and disease.

Your job

You will join a multidisciplinary research team investigating cellular protein quality control using advanced high-throughput technologies. Your work will include cloning large cDNA libraries, conducting genome-wide screens, and performing multiplexed assays to study the effects of genetic variants in yeast cells. The role requires close collaboration with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds, integrating expertise from molecular biology, genetics, biophysics and computational biology.

Beyond your primary project, you will support ongoing research activities across the group on an ad hoc basis, contributing technical expertise, troubleshooting, and experimental development where needed. You will also contribute to disseminating knowledge within the lab by sharing best practices, training colleagues, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The position is embedded in an international and inclusive research setting that values teamwork, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Post Doc with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills

• You have a PhD in Biochemistry or a related area.
• You have documented experience with large-scale DNA library cloning, screening and sequencing.
• Experienced with molecular genetics in yeast.
• You have proven an ability to envision, plan and execute a research project.
• Excellent English skills, written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills:

• You are experienced with DMS and NGS data analyses and visualization.
• You have an active interest in PQC degradation and DMS technologies.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to state-of-the-art facilities for sequencing and cell sorting. Information on the department can be found at: https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/

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 2 years. The starting date is 1 May 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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. Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Questions
For further information regarding the position, please contact Prof. Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen; rhpetersen@bio.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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
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 will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 8 October 2026, 23.59 CEST

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 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 November 2026.

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