Fixed-term

The Laboratory for Molecular and Translational Pharmacology (MolPharm) at Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, is seeking a highly motivated PhD fellow to characterize viral membrane proteins. The PhD position is fully funded and for 3 years, starting on 15 July 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Information on MolPharm can be found at: Rosenkilde Group – University of Copenhagen Our research We investigate how membrane proteins translate structural features into functional outcomes. For many years, we have focused on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with an emphasis on ligand recognition, receptor activation, intracellular cycling, biased signaling, and crosstalk in the immune and endocrine systems. Our work extends to virus-encoded ion channels (viroporins), where we study the same properties as those of the receptors. We combine molecular pharmacology, structural biology, computation, and quantitative biophysics, supported by state-of-the-art biophysical assays and site‑directed approaches to identify and characterize novel modulators of GPCRs and viral ion channels. The project We are looking for a driven and ambitious person who can work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of protein science with a focus on viral membrane proteins. The project will address fundamental questions regarding the structure, oligomerization, and pore-forming and/or ion‑channel function of viroporins, a diverse family of small viral membrane proteins that form oligomeric pores essential for viral life cycle and pathogenesis. The goal is to define the molecular principles governing viroporin assembly, map intra- and intersubunit contacts, and study pore function, ion selectivity, and druggability via modulation by small‑molecule inhibitors. This includes establishing high‑throughput pipelines for heterologous expression, purification, and reconstitution of viral membrane proteins. Druggability will be assessed using a high-throughput fluorescence-based screening platform in a human cell line. Who are we looking for? The person we are looking for should have a master’s degree or equivalent in biochemistry, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular biomedicine, or a related field, with basic theoretical and practical knowledge of protein science, cell biology, and pharmacology. The applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take the initiative in driving the project while also collaborating with other members of the MolPharm lab. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility, and collaborative skills. Additional merits or desired skills: The ideal candidate has one or more of the following competencies: molecular pharmacological characterizations of membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells, including, for instance, GPCRs or ion channels; protein chemistry approaches such as recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins; advanced microscopy methods. The selection is based on the following criteria: Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to structural and functional properties of membrane proteins. An integrated assessment of the applicant is conducted to identify the best possible candidate who can succeed in doctoral studies and contribute to the positive development of the department and the research program. Our group and research- and what do we offer? The Rosenkilde Group is part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, located on the Panum campus in the Northern Campus area, close to the center of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, international research environment. The group forms an integral part of the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology research division, bringing together scientists with shared interests in membrane proteins: G protein‑coupled receptor (GPCR) biology, viroporins, ion channels, transporters, ligand recognition, receptor activation and desensitization, allosteric modulation, and oligomerization. Our research focuses on understanding the relationship between the structure and function of membrane proteins. We combine molecular pharmacology, structural biology, biophysical assays, and computational approaches to uncover mechanisms of activation, modulation, and inhibition, discover novel ligands, and refine them to improve drug properties. The environment provides access to state‑of‑the‑art experimental facilities for receptor characterization, ligand screening, and functional assays, supported by a broad expertise spanning protein engineering, mutagenesis, signaling analyses, and biophysical characterization Principal supervisor is Professor Mette M. Rosenkilde, rosenkilde@sund.ku.dk Job description: Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SUND are: Carrying through an independent research project under supervision Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points Participating in an active research environment, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad Writing scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project Terms of employment The average weekly working hours are 37. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree. Salary, pension, and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 31,200 DKK, /Roughly 4,170 EUR (November 2025 level). In addition, the employer will pay 18,07% in pension. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. Application procedure Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: Motivated letter of application (max. one page) CV incl. education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish. If not completed,

Research area and project description: In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function. In the recently funded RIBOTICS project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop biosensors based on Xenonucleic acids (XNAs), which are synthetic nucleic acids with improved chemical and biological stability. The PhD student will: Design and develop XNA sensor modules using in vitro selection methods. Use mutational screening to develop XNA actuator modules based on fluorescent aptamers and catalytic ribozymes. Construct “XNA sensor robots” that detect chemical compounds, RNA strands, or proteins and produce fluorescent output signals. Integrate XNA sensors into microfluidic droplet systems for high-throughput screening of secretory yeast phenotypes. Apply the system for selection of optimized yeast strains for synthetic biology and bioproduction applications. The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center. References: [1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920 [2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250 For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Required qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics or Bioengineering. Applicants should have a strong interest in RNA structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods. Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently. Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken Desirable skills: Hands-on experience with techniques for RNA and XNA design, synthesis, and analysis, as well as in vitro selection methods. Knowledge of or practical experience with biosensing, fluorescence-based assays, and microfluidic systems for high-throughput analysis. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Biosensing in biological fluids with chemically modified RNA devices (BbfcmR)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

Research area and project description: In the Andersen lab for Biomolecular Design (andersen-lab.dk) we are experts in designing DNA, RNA and proteins to create nanoscale devices for applications in biotechnology and medicine. The lab invented the RNA origami method that allows rational design of RNA scaffolds and devices for expression in cells [1] and have recently developed RNA origami robots that can sense, compute and actuate [2], which opens new possibilities for controlling cellular function. In the recently funded RIBOTICS project, the lab aims to develop RNA origami robots for cell factories (yeast production strains) for improved synthesis of valuable proteins and biochemicals. This PhD project aims to develop RNA circuit systems that control the behaviour of RNA nanorobots inside cells using programmable strand displacement reactions. The PhD candidate will: Develop RNA circuits using loop-mediated strand displacement (LSD) – a mechanism where RNA strands exchange partners to transmit signals. Use the capture-SELEX method to discover RNA motifs that can act as receptors for specific molecular inputs. Engineer RNA devices that combine these inputs into simple logic functions (such as AND or OR) to create decision-making circuits. Assemble multi-step RNA circuits that control how RNA robots activate, change shape, or interact in response to cellular cues. Transfer these RNA circuits into living cells to regulate metabolic processes. Explore ways to link RNA circuits with natural cellular signalling pathways to give cells new programmable capabilities. The RIBOTICS project involves a team of 3 postdocs and 3 PhD students, who will work on design, characterization, and experimental verification of several RNA systems that can regulate gene expression, control enzyme proximity, sense product yields, and do molecular computations for feedback control. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the RIBOTICS team, will receive day-to-day scientific guidance from a Postdoctoral mentor, and will be part of a vibrant research environment at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center. References: [1] A single-stranded architecture for cotranscriptional folding of RNA nanostructures. Science (2014). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253920 [2] An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer. Science Advances (2024). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1250 For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences: Required qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Nanoscience, Biophysics or Bioengineering. Applicants should have a strong interest in RNA structural biology and a motivation to acquire expertise in relevant biophysical characterization methods. Applicants must have good communications skills and ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently. Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken Desirable skills: Hands-on experience with relevant methods for RNA design, synthesis and analysis, in vitro selection, and in vivo expression. Experience with selection or screening techniques such as SELEX, capture-SELEX, or high-throughput assays. Knowledge of strand displacement, molecular logic circuits, or related synthetic biology tools. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C  , Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, esa@inano.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Designing Programmable RNA Circuits for Cellular Control (DPRNAC)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

Research area and project description: The research group In the Andersen Lab — Laboratory on Genetic Innovation (https://mbg.au.dk/pan), we study the molecular mechanisms of genome regulation in animal germline cells. Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system, we combine biochemistry, proteomics, genetics, and genomics to uncover how germ cells regulate their genomes to enable sexual reproduction. Animal germ cells are the sole carriers of genetic information across generations. Recent discoveries — including our own — have revealed that germ cells exploit gene duplications (paralogs) of core transcription factors to fundamentally alter their genome regulation. Such germline-expressed transcription factor paralogs have evolved recurrently across animal lineages, are often essential for fertility, and yet the molecular mechanisms by which they reshape transcription remain poorly understood. The Project Recent discoveries have revealed that germ cells exploit gene duplications (paralogs) of core transcription factors to fundamentally alter their genome regulation. Despite being essential for fertility across species — from flies to humans — the molecular mechanisms underlying this paralog-based regulation remain poorly understood. This PhD project is part of the PARAGLIDE research programme (funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation), which investigates how germline-expressed transcription factor paralogs reshape genome regulation to enable germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster. The project aims to uncover the composition and architecture of germline-specific transcription factor complexes using biochemical and proteomic approaches, and to study the functional connections between paralog complexes. We shape the forward direction of the project together. The project uses the fruit fly as a powerful in vivo model for animal germline biology and benefits from a strong network of international collaborations. If you find this exciting, then apply to come help us solve how enigmatic transcription modes underlie animal fertility! For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When — as here — you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. Qualifications and specific competences: – Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or be near completion) in a relevant field such as: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, or Biophysics. – Applicants should have a strong interest in gene regulation, chromatin biology, or germline biology, and a motivation to acquire expertise in genetics, proteomics, and genomics. – Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work both collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team and independently. – Applicants must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken. Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Contacts: Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate professor, Peter Andersen, pra@mbg.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026) Choose May 2026 Call with deadline 1 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Molecular Biology and Genetics”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Germline-specific transcription factor paralogs in animal germ cell development and fertility (Gtfpag)” Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.