Postdoc: Integrative structural biology and biophysics of dynamic plant hormone transporters Full-time

Postdoc: Integrative Structural Biology And Biophysics Of Dynamic Plant Hormone Transporters

Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoc position within the Plant-PATH Center of Excellence within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. The project focuses on biophysical characterization of the intrinsically disordered regions of plant hormone transporters – initially focusing on auxin transporters of the PIN family and their interactions.

The position is initially for 3 years with the possibility of extension. The earliest starting date is 1 June 2026.

The Plant-PATH Center of Excellence seeks to understand the molecular basis for hormone transport in plants and how it can be manipulated in biotechnology. The present project will focus on membrane transporters from the PIN family which transport auxin to regulate plant growth. We are particularly interested in deciphering the role of the large intrinsically disordered loops using structural and biophysical approaches. The project may involve a combination of protein engineering, characterization of protein interactions by various methods, de novo design of protein binders, integrative structural biology using NMR, SAXS and/or single molecule FRET.

The project will involve both experimental and computational work and the candidate is expected to be comfortable with both. The candidate is expected to have (or be close to finishing) a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, biotechnology, nanoscience or similar, and a good track record of productivity. Experience with some, but not all, of the following topics is required: recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical protein characterization, protein structure prediction or computational protein design. Furthermore, we expect an interest in interdisciplinarity and good collaboration skills.

The candidate will become part of a young and dynamic research group currently consisting of ~15 members. The research group has a newly renovated lab space with excellent facilities for protein science research. There will be direct access to advanced biophysical infrastructure in the biophysics core facility headed by the PI, a GPU cluster with working pipelines for computational design and the department's bioimaging and proteomics core facilities. The project will be part of the Plant-PATH Center of Excellence, which unites leading groups in Denmark, Belgium, and Germany, and offers the successful candidate excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary training, exchange, and scientific collaboration.

The place of work is Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Magnus Kjærgaard (magnus@mbg.au.dk).

Applications must be received no later than 2 March 2026.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.