The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science in the Department of Biology is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join projects on the biochemical and structural analysis of protein assemblies.

The program covers three years of full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD program (5+3 scheme), which requires an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

The Project.

• We are looking for a driven and ambitious candidate with the ability to work independently and in collaboration with other groups.
• The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD in the field of protein science with a focus on protein assembly.
• The project will address fundamental questions regarding the structure and function of polymerizing enzymes.
• The goal is to define the rules that govern the homo- and hetero-oligomeric assembly of key enzymes from intermediary metabolism, including using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques, such as enzyme assays, polymerization assays, and cryo-electron microscopy.

Our Research.

• You would investigate the structure-function mechanisms in proteins that underlie disease and generate species-specific biological traits across the domains of life, pairing biochemical and structural studies with studies at the cellular and organismal level.
• There are modern facilities for recombinant protein production and biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins.
• In addition, you have access to the Center for Advanced Bioimaging and the Core Facility for Integrated Bioimaging for advanced light microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy.

Qualifications

• The candidate should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or similar, providing basic theoretical and practical knowledge in protein science.
• Experience expressing and purifying recombinantly produced proteins, protein characterization, and practical experience applying biophysical and biochemical techniques should be demonstrated through a Master’s project.
• The candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English.
• The candidate is expected to take initiative, drive the project, and collaborate with other group members.
• Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal qualities, including analytical capacity, communication, accuracy, flexibility, and collaborative skills.

Additional Merits and Desired Skills

The ideal candidate will have one or more of the following competencies:

• expression and purification of proteins using E. coli and a variety of chromatographic methods,
• protein characterization using enzyme assays and biophysical techniques,
• use of R for data analysis and plotting,
• practical experience in X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy,
• experience with Linux and data processing for structural biology.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis based on your project

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application, including all attachments, must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW .

Please include:

• Motivated cover letter which includes a statement on why this project is of interest to you, how you will contribute, and what you hope to learn (maximum one page);
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position;
• Original diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language besides English or Danish (if the Masters degrees is not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted);
• A publication list, if available; and,
• A maximum of two reference letters (if available).

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 3rd June 2026, 23:59 CEST (GMT +2).

Selection Criteria

• Selection will be based on the above criteria, including the listed qualifications and interpersonal skills, relevant courses of study, and suitability of the courses to the research program, and previous research experience in the subject area.
• An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated to employ the best possible candidate who can succeed in the program and contribute to the positive development of the research program.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in July or August.

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the Assistant. Professor Kelli Hvorecny: kelli.hvorecny@bio.ku.dk

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

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