Fixed Term Assistant Professor position on Protein Phase Separation

Department of Pharmacy - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences -University of Copenhagen

A fixed term three-year Assistant Professor position on Protein Phase Separation is available starting on December 1st, 2025 at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) in Denmark.

The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen is devoted to research and research-based teaching in drug formulation and manufacturing, drug-related analytical and physical chemistry, drug metabolism, chemical toxicology, and medicines use. The Department plays a key role in advancing the pharmaceutical sciences in Denmark and internationally. The scientific and teaching objectives of the Department encompass the areas of Pharmaceutical Technology and Engineering; Advanced Drug Analysis; Pharmaceutical Design and Drug Delivery; Biologics; and Clinical and Social Pharmacy. Read more about the Department of Pharmacy at [xxxxx]

Project overview
Biomolecular self-assembly is a key process in physics and chemistry and rules the correct functioning of living systems. In addition, many of the most prevalent human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s, are characterised by the presence of so-called amyloid aggregates in the brain, which are the result of protein self-assembly. Several of the proteins identified in amyloid aggregates have been shown to undergo a process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The project aims to study intra and inter-protein interactions that initiate LLPS in intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) systems using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) combined with microfluidics, microscopy and spectroscopic techniques.

Information about the research group of Prof. Vito Foderà can be found here and here.

The successful applicant will specifically work on 1) developing robust experimental protocols for the analysis of IDP systems in conditions initiating LLPS at different length and time scales by using microfluidics setups and 2) realizing in-house software for the advanced analysis of the generated data. Together with researchers in our international team, the successful applicant will report novel insights on the physical laws regulating the phenomenon of LLPS in complex environments. The candidate will work in close collaboration with two Postdocs and one PhD student who are focused on combining theoretical modeling, X-ray-based methods and Raman-based approaches to shed light on LLPS and the liquid-to-solid transition of IDP systems. In our group, we strive for excellence and both out-of-the-box ideas and collaborative abilities are considered very important skills.

Job description
The candidate´s tasks as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision.
• Write scientific articles on the grounds of the research project.
• Write proposals for research funding
• Co-supervise PhD and MSc students
• Participate in the undergraduate teaching of students in pharmaceutical sciences.
• Participate in national and international conferences and scientific meetings.

Required Qualifications
In connection with the appointment special importance will be attached to the applicant having the professional and personal qualifications stated below:

• Documented scientific qualifications such as a Ph.D. or equivalent in physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, nanotechnology, or related areas obtained by the start of the present position.
• Documented at least two years postdoctoral experience prior to the starting date
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) and common data science tools.
• At least 3 first-author publications in respectable peer-reviewed international journals.
• Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills.
• Creativity and ability to be both team-oriented and independent
• Capability of working at the interface between different disciplines
• Embrace of an international research environment

Preferred Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an open-minded attitude towards quantitative analysis of complex experimental data sets. The ideal candidate should also have a strong background and/or hands-on research experience within one or several of the fields mentioned below:

• Small angle X-ray scattering of biomolecules (experiments and advanced data analysis)
• Microfluidics-based experimental approaches
• Protein science and biophysical characterization of protein samples
• Large scale facilities (from proposal writing to execution of experiments and data analysis)
• Advanced spectroscopy for biomolecular self-assembly
• Coding (e.g. Python)
• Microscopy-based techniques
• Protein expression and purification

Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. Solid experience and an excellent track record gained in the field of small angle X-ray scattering and data analysis will be considered a distinct advantage. We encourage all the qualified individuals - regardless of their personal background and status - to apply.

Questions
For further information, please contact Professor Vito Foderà [xxxxx] tel. +[xxxxx]).

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: [xxxxx] Staff Mobility).

Terms of employment
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” 2025.

As an equal opportunities employer, the University of Copenhagen encourages all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of gender, age, religion and ethnic origin. The period of employment as Assistant Professor will be limited to 3 years.

Application
Applications should include the following parts:

1) Application in the form of a cover letter indicating the motivation, interest in and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages).

2) Curriculum vitae, including the names, e-mails, telephone numbers and addresses of at least 2 referees.

3) Recommendation letters (max. 2).

4) Copies of relevant diplomas (e.g. education, teaching and additional research qualifications)

5) A complete list of publications indicating articles relevant to the position, including copies of these articles (max. 5)

The parts must be clearly labeled with the above-mentioned numbers. Send your application with the above-mentioned appendices electronically by clicking the ´Apply online´ button. We only accept electronic applications.

Deadline for application is Sunday 28 September, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET. Applications received after the deadline, not using the online application form, or not including the required documents will not be considered.

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee, and each applicant can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at [xxxxx]

Selected candidates will be called for interviews that will be held on October 20th 2025. An answer as to the granting of the fellowship can be expected soon after the interviews.

Kilde: [xxxxx]