Postdoctoral researcher for a 3-year position in the Prentoe group within the Department of Biomedical Sciences Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher Position

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoctoral researcher for a three-year position in the Prentoe group within the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to commence on 01.07.2026 or later after agreement.

Our research: Our group investigates membrane-associated protein assemblies central to human disease, with a particular focus on tight junctions (TJs) of the central nervous system (CNS) and viral glycoproteins. Using an integrated structural biology approach combining cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), lipid nanodisc reconstitution, biophysical assays, and computational modeling, we determine high-resolution structures and use these insights to guide drug and vaccine development.

A major focus of the group is the structural organization of CNS tight junctions that form critical biological barriers such as the blood–brain barrier, the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and the arachnoid barrier. We reconstitute Claudin and Occludin assemblies in lipid nanodiscs to mimic their native cis and trans interactions and analyze these assemblies using cryo-EM, EM imaging, FRET-based assays, and molecular dynamics simulations. In parallel, the group also resolves structures of viral glycoproteins and applies computational design strategies with experimental validation to develop improved vaccine candidates.

Your job: The successful candidate will work on a project entitled “Building Cryo-EM High-Resolution Models of Claudin and Occludin CNS Assemblies.” The overall aim of the project is to establish robust nanodisc-based platforms that enable the formation of higher-order Claudin and Occludin assemblies suitable for high-resolution cryo-EM structure determination.

You will contribute to developing and optimizing strategies for membrane protein expression, detergent extraction, purification, and incorporation into lipid nanodiscs with multiple protein copies to increase nanodisc-to-nanodisc interaction avidity. You will further be involved in screening and characterizing nanodisc assemblies using biochemical and biophysical methods, including EM-based approaches and FRET assays, and in collecting and analyzing cryo-EM data to generate atomic models of CNS tight junction assemblies.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, experimental design and execution, data analysis, interpretation and presentation of results, and close collaboration with other members of the group as well as internal and external collaborators. The position will also include participation in research dissemination activities, such as conference presentations and research-based teaching.

Profile: We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You hold a PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or a related field
• Strong experience with membrane protein biochemistry, including expression, purification, and detergent handling
• Experience with cryo-electron microscopy and lipid nanodiscs or other membrane-mimetic systems, including sample preparation and data analysis
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research projects
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

Desirable experience and skills:

• Familiarity with cryo-EM data processing and model building software (e.g. CryoSPARC, RELION, Phenix, Coot, Chimera)
• Experience with biophysical assays such as FRET or fluorescence-based methods
• Interest in structural studies of paracellular cell–cell junctions, membrane assemblies, or CNS biology

Terms of employment: The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is 01.07.2026; or after agreement. Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on seniority the monthly salary starts between 39,200 – 41.300 DKK/approx. 5,245 – 5,525 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund. Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions: For further information please contact Associate Prof. Jannick Prentoe; jprentoe@sund.ku.dk Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure: Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking 'Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 1 March 2026, 23.59 CET 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 the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process here.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.