Postdoc position in cryo-ET studies of regulatory neuronal synapses at the axon initial segment Full-time

Postdoc Position In Cryo-et Studies Of Regulatory Neuronal Synapses At The Axon Initial Segment

The Nissen Laboratory at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, is inviting applications for a fully-funded postdoc position for 2 years, with a possible extension, to work on cryo-electron tomography studies of regulatory synapses at the axon initial segment of neurons.

Expected start date and duration of employment: The starting date is 1st September 2026, or as soon as possible. The project aims at determining in situ structures of axo-axonic synapses at the axon initial segment (AIS) of neurons through cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and obtaining new insights into the ultrastructural organization and mechanism of AIS, a critical neuronal compartment in formation and regulation of action potentials.

The project will entail the following specific aims:

• Ultrastructural insights into the organization of axo-axonic synapses and subcomplexes using cryo-ET
• Investigating and developing advanced procedures for targeting and lift-out experiments with native brain tissue samples
• In situ structure determination of AIS constituents and their adaptation to axo-axonic synapses
• Mechanistic/biophysical models for synaptic interactions with action potential signals generated at AIS

Examples of other tasks:

• Establish and develop experimental protocols and pipelines and implement data management compliance.
• Presentation of your work in various meetings (locally at the department, national and international meetings, and conferences)
• Publish results in international journals
• Work closely with the PI and colleagues in the lab to help build a sound and inspiring culture in the lab
• Assist with project supervision of junior researchers and students
• General procedures and responsibilities of the lab

Your profile: Applicants should hold a PhD in protein biochemistry, biophysics, molecular cell biology or similar. Essential: Experience in sample preparation for cryoET studies and acquisition and analysis of cryo-EM data. Knowledge of bioinformatics tools and data mining. Good communication skills in English (oral/written) and for scientific disseminations. Ability to take ownership and drive projects forward independently. Have a collaborative mindset.

Desirable: Proven track record in neurobiology and cell biology. Experience with pathways and complex networks in cell biology.

Finally, applicants should: Be curious and ambitious. Take pride in being a good colleague and scientist.

What we offer: Outstanding experience in the field to support the project with state-of-the-art infrastructure. Access to the Aarhus University cryo-EM facilities (EMBION) including two Titan-Krios microscopes (K2 and K3), Aquilos2 with iFLM microscope. An international and interdisciplinary environment, including for example the CryoNET network, the Nordic EMBL Partnership and international collaborators. Good scientific and very friendly atmosphere of large and interacting communities for e.g. structural biology, molecular cell biology, computational biology, neurobiology, and molecular medicine that encourages lively, open, and critical discussions. A work environment with close working relationships, networking, social activities, and work-life balance. A workplace characterised by professionalism, equality, dialogue, and appreciation of a healthy work-life balance.

Place of work and area of employment: The place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C. The area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

Contact information: For further information, please contact: Professor Poul Nissen, email: pn@au.dk. Applications must be received no later than 19th April 2026.