Assistant professor of phosphoprotein signaling at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR)

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor who will join the research group of Jesper Velgaard Olsen for a 2-year position to commence in July 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

With this position, we seek to complement and expand our current research and teaching activities with a specific focus on the application of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and (phospho)proteomics to study cell signaling dynamics regulating normal and pathophysiological processes, with the ultimate goal of defining novel therapeutic targets and therapeutic combinations.

Information on the department can be found at: Proteomics - Olsen – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk).

Our research
The Olsen Group is at the forefront of scientific research, specializing in quantitative, high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Our primary focus includes advancing mass spectrometric technology and exploring biological applications, with a particular emphasis on addressing crucial questions in phosphorylation-mediated signaling. We are dedicated to unraveling the complexities of cell signaling in both health and disease, with a keen interest in the intricate role phosphorylation plays. Our goal is to contribute significantly to understanding signaling networks and their impact on cellular responses, particularly in human disease models, such as cancer, and in primary human tissues.

Your job
The position intersects the fields of quantitative mass spectrometry and cell signaling and has the aim to advance drug combination therapies through high-throughput drug screening and (phospho)protoemics using cancer cell lines models. Therefore, as a qualified candidate, you must have a solid background in the application of mass spectrometry-based (phospho)proteomics within biomedical research and be able to demonstrate its dissemination. Furthermore, optimization and development of new advanced MS workflows for (phospho)proteomics and relevant downstream data analysis skills will be important to this position.

We strive for scientific excellence and outstanding results and thus, a high-level experience from a postdoc or previous assistant professor position, including substantial international experience, are essential for the appointment. Moreover, significant experience with academic training and teaching are essential qualifications. The candidate should be able to write and speak English fluently.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination, as well as grant writing and other activities to secure research grants.
• Research-based teaching and educational activities including organization of courses (master, PhD and postdoc level).
• Sharing knowledge with society.
• Participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors.

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates.

Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Biomedicine, Cell Biology, Biochemistry).
• You have extensive experience in quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics including latest generation of mass spectrometry instrumentation e.g. Orbitrap Astral.
• You are highly experienced in mammalian tissue culture, high-throughput drug screening and automated sample preparation workflows for (phospho)proteomics.
• You are proficient in data analysis tools and software relevant to mass spectrometry data with the ability to interpret complex mass spectrometry data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• You have a strong background in phosphorylation-mediated signaling research.
• You hold a proven track record of high-impact research with mass spectrometry-based contributions to understanding cell signaling in health and disease.
• You have excellent communication skills (English; oral and written) for presenting research findings, teaching, and grant writing.
• You have the ability to work with and contribute to highly collaborative projects within and outside the academic institution.
• You are committed to teach, mentor and supervise students and junior researchers.

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have a proven ability to teach and organize mass spectrometry-related courses for master, PhD and postdoc levels.
• You have experience from international and interdisciplinary research collaborations e.g. EU research networks.
• You have experience from pedagogical training courses.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR), Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrumentation.

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 2 years. The start date is July 1, 2024, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 36,400 / approx. EUR 4,885 (October 2023-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen by e-mail: [email protected].

Application procedure
Your 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
5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: Thursday 25 April 2024, 23.59 p.m. 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.
The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

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 at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

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 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7,800 students and approx. 5,800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.