A postdoc position focusing on protein complexes associated with centrosomes and cilia in human cells is available in the research group of Professor Jens S. Andersen (Andersen group ) at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense. The position is available from 1 June 2025 or soon thereafter.
Research Project
You will lead a research project with the aim to understand the functional role and disease mechanisms of protein complexes associated with primary cilia and centrosomes. Cilia are antenna-like organelles that project from centrioles at the cell surface. They play key roles in cell signalling, which are essential for the development and function of most tissues and organs in our body, including our sensory system. Mutations impairing cilia formation or function cause >35 severe human diseases (ciliopathies), collectively affecting 1 in 400 people with pleiotropic and overlapping phenotypes. The primary methodologies that you will apply include endogenous protein tagging by CRISRP, in-cell interaction proteomics by proximity labeling, subcellular localization by spatial proteomics and fluorescence microscopy, and protein structure prediction by artificial intelligence and crosslinking proteomics. The goal is to generate structural and functional models of protein complexes as a guide to understand disease-causing mutations. The project is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark .
Lab and Research Environment
You will be part of the research group led by Prof. Jens S. Andersen (Andersen group ) at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at SDU. The Andersen group is associated with the ‘Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology research unit’ at BMB and the ‘Danish National Mass Spectrometry Platform for Proteomics and Biomolecular Imaging’ (PLATO), which provides a highly international, collaborative, ambitious and innovative research environment in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (e.g., proteomics and bioimaging) and extensive expertise in functional proteomics. This international, well-equipped, highly ambitious and supportive research environment therefore provides a great setting for pursuing novel research ideas and developing your independent career.
Your Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated, innovative, and collaborative postdoc to lead research projects on centrosome and cilia biology as outline above. You have:
- A PhD in life science, e.g., molecular biology or biochemistry.
- Expertise in e.g. mass spectrometry-based proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, CRISRP-mediated gene editing, or protein structure prediction
- Expertise and interest in functional analysis of proteins.
- Motivation and strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
We Offer
- A postdoc position (2½-3 years) in a stimulating, vibrant and supportive research environment with a focus on mentoring and individual career development.
- Training in state-of-the-art technologies and data analysis as well as research management, oral and written communication, and networking.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and infrastructure within functional proteomics, including a unique collection of advanced instrumentation for mass spectrometry (e.g. Orbitrap Astral, Eclipse, and Exploris from Thermo Fisher Scientific, and timsTOF Ultra 2 and timsTOF HT from Bruker) and for bioimaging (e.g. Abberior facility line STED and MINFLUX, Nikon 3D STORM, and Nikon dual cam SIM).
- A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g. health coverage, parental leave, social security etc).
- Support with practical, social and legal aspects (e.g. housing, visa, tax etc) through our international staff office (ISO ) and the department.
Application deadline: 17 April 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk