Postdoc in Ultrahigh throughput exploration of protein aggregation and assembly sequence space

The research group of Prof. Alexander K. Buell at the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Bioengineering) is looking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow, to start as soon as possible. Our research group is situated within the section of Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology, where world-leading expertise in protein chemistry and structural biology is concentrated. Our laboratory performs cutting-edge experimental research in the field of protein and peptide self-assembly and aggregation. The applied methods include protein engineering as well as various spectroscopy, scattering, biosensing and microfluidics techniques and we work on a wide variety of proteins, from simple model systems to disease-related proteins. The overall aim of our research is to achieve a profound mechanistic understanding of protein and peptide assembly into ordered (fibrillar, crystalline) and disordered (amorphous, liquid droplet) condensed phases and of the physico-chemical factors and sequence determinants that drive it. To achieve these goals, we also collaborate with structural, computational and medical biologists. The motivation behind our research is to enable rational control of such assembly processes in the context of human disorders, protein biotechnology as well as in the creation of novel types of functional biomaterials.

Research project
Proteins can undergo a variety of higher order assembly, association and aggregation processes, ranging from the formation of ordered amyloid fibrils to the formation of disordered aggregates and dense liquid droplets. The postdoctoral fellow will participate in the development of novel ultrahigh throughput experimental strategies to explore the sequence space of these phenomena at unprecedented level. More detailed information on the project can be obtained on request.

Responsibilities and tasks
The successful candidate will contribute to the establishment of a new experimental methodology with the aim of probing the relationship between amino acid sequence and association behavior of proteins at ultrahigh throughput. Further tasks will include:

• Assistance in and involvement with other research projects and topics in the group
• Help with the supervision of PhD students
• Taking responsibility for the functioning of research equipment
• Experimental design, data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences

Qualifications
Candidates must have a PhD degree or equivalent in molecular biology, biophysics or related fields.

The successful candidate should

• Be interested in the quantitative study of biomolecular systems in vitro
• Have documented practical experience with protein technology and molecular biology, different expression organisms and/or cell-free expression
• Have experience in handling RNA
• Have experience with DNA sequencing
• Feel comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Have a strong track record in the generation, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of scientific results (as demonstrated by publications, oral presentations, outreach)

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Alexander K. Buell

Presently to be contacted through: alebu@dtu.dk

Present homepage: https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english/ResearchNy/Research-Sections/Section-for-Protein-Chemistry-and-Enzyme-Technology/Protein-Biophysics

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 31 October 2020 (23:59 local time).