PhD fellowship in nuclear receptors and their structural disorder Full-time

PhD Fellow Position in Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory

The Structural Biology and NMR laboratory (SBiNLab), Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark, is looking for a highly motivated PhD fellow to join a project on intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs).

The PhD position is fully funded and for 3 years, starting on 1 July 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Our research

We focus on the interaction of IDPs and IDRs with other biomolecules and on how disorder helps expand molecular communication. We aim to provide a detailed understanding of how structural disorder leads to regulatory diversity and how this diversity relates to biological function. We have state-of-the-art facilities for recombinant protein production and analytical tools such as CD, ITC, MST, nano-DSF, Q-TOF MS for biophysical and biochemical characterization. Our main techniques are biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, computation and biophysics and we have regular access to synchrotron SAXS.

The project

We are looking for a driven and ambitious person, with an ability to work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of protein science with a focus on IDPs and IDRs. The project will address fundamental questions regarding protein-protein interactions involving IDRs of nuclear receptors, a family of transcription factors. The goal is to map intra and interdomain contacts and define principles governing these interactions. This includes set-up of high-through-put system for production and characterization and includes heterologous expression and purification of and characterization of their interactions using a range of biophysical methods and analyses, including biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, CD and SAXS as main methods.

Who are we looking for?

The person we are looking for should have a masters' degree or equivalent in biochemistry, chemistry, structural biology or similar, providing basic theoretical and practical knowledge in protein science. Experience in working with recombinantly produced proteins and practical experience in recording and analyzing protein NMR spectra should be demonstrated through a MSc project. The applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take initiative driving the project, but also to collaborate with the other members in SBiNLab. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility and collaborative skills.

Additional merits or desired skills: The ideal candidate has one or more of the following competences: expression and purification of proteins in E. coli using a variety of chromatographic methods, basic characterization of the proteins, computation, biomolecular condensates, biomolecular NMR and protein interaction techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry or small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are meritorious.

The selection is based on the following criteria: Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to protein science and IDPs/IDRs. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the department and the research program.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The group is a part of the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, located in the Biocenter in the Northern Campus, close to the centre of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. SBiNLab joins four research groups located in the Copenhagen Biocenter at UCPH all interested in proteins and IDPs combining biophysics, NMR spectroscopy and computation.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master's degree. Qualifications needed for the regular programme To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biochemistry, chemistry, structural biology or similar. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in protein science with a focus on IDPs and IDRs.
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application stating why this project is of interest to you (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor or Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 6 April 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in mid to late May 2026

Questions For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School's website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.