Postdoc in catalytic RNA evolution and structural biology Full-time

Postdoc in Catalytic RNA Evolution and Structural Biology

Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center – INANO-MBG, iNANO-huset

Expected start 1 October

The Kristoffersen-lab is a new research group at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University seeking to understand RNAs role in the onset of Darwinian evolution. The lab takes inspiration from simple natural replicons for engineering RNA systems that can restart replication. The newly funded Circles of Life (COL) project focuses on a combined design and evolution strategy to produce and investigate natural and synthetic RNA complexes with advanced properties, primarily concerning circular RNAs. The postdoc project will be involved in all aspects of COL but focuses primarily on visualizing and structural characterizing catalytic RNA complexes. This work may involve a combination of biochemical, biophysical and structural biology techniques including:

• In vitro evolution and de novo design of RNAs,
• Biophysical characterization using single molecule fluorescence and other techniques, such as smFRET.
• Structural biology using electron microscopy, such as cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET).

We are looking for a highly creative, collaborative and experimentally skilled candidate with (or close to finishing) a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, biotechnology, nanoscience or similar. The successful candidate should have excellent skills in spoken and written English and be able to present a good track-record of scientific work. Practical experience with structural biology is required and the following additional qualifications are beneficial:

• In vitro transcription and purification of RNA,
• Recombinant protein expression and purification,
• Biochemical and biophysical characterization of nucleic acids
• Computational model building and structure prediction
• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques
• Experience in cryo-EM structural biology of nucleic acids.

The postdoc will be affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). The day-to-day work will be located at iNANO. iNANO is a major research and education centre based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 postdocs and ~160 PhD students. The centre combines expertise from the disciplines including physics, chemistry, molecular biology and medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The centre gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including EMBION, the Aarhus university cryo-EM facility and associated scientific computing facility. The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) comprises research within the areas of Plant Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, RNA Biology and Innovation, Protein Science, Cellular Health, Intervention and Nutrition and Synthetic biology. MBG gives access to expertise in a broad range of molecular biology and bioinformatic infrastructure. Together Aarhus University makes a world-class research community with many international postdocs and students from all over the world. Aarhus University offers a wide range of services to support international researchers and their families, including relocation assistance and career counselling for accompanying partners. English is the primary language used for internal communication and teaching, and international candidates are not required to learn Danish. Aarhus is one of the happiest cities in the world according to happy city index.

The department offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with many industrial, national and international collaborators. The city of Aarhus is the second largest in Denmark located on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Jutland. Aarhus offers a rich cultural life with its many international students and cultural events. It is easily accessible from major European cities either by train or plane. Furthermore, the workplace offers:

• a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment.
• a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
• a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
• a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.