Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen
The University seeks to appoint an associate professor to the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research(CPR) to commence as soon as possible.
Purpose of the position:
To provide expertise in the development and implementation of biophysical methods and technologies for analysing the interaction of proteins with low molecular weight compounds, natural ligands, peptides and with other proteins.
The associate professor´s duties will primarily consist of:
Relationships:
• The post holder will report to the Head of Chemical Biology at the PST.
Job description
CPR has been established to promote basic and applied discovery research on human proteins of medical relevance. The establishment of the Center announced in April 2007 has been made possible by a generous donation from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the University of Copenhagen. The Center comprises a wide range of expertise and skills within its research departments, with activities in the areas of disease systems biology, proteomics, high throughput protein production and characterization, chemical biology, disease biology, and protein therapeutics. The Center also contributes to the progress of translational research within medicine and provides fundamental insights, which can be used to promote drug discovery and development. For further information, visit http://www.cpr.ku.dk/.
Specialised tasks connected to the position are the following:
• To lead and provide expertise in the area of protein biophysics. The successful candidate will implement, use and improve current in house technologies for analyzing protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions of protein families, and specialize in the operation and data analysis of Biacore SPR, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Circular Dichroism spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• To drive the development of innovative protein-protein/protein-peptide interaction methods using protein/peptide arrays in particular, and to lead in implementing state of the art instrumentation in the area.
• To have an interest in implementing novel technologies, either internally or through external collaboration, for medium/high throughput analysis of protein-ligand interactions compatible with low material consumption.
• To actively participate in networks and collaborations with the international research community in general and the local research community in particular, and to demonstrate international reputation through scientific publications and presentations at international symposia.
• To carry out any other relevant duties as may reasonably be associated with the post and which may be required from time to time.
Qualification requirements
The appointee should have qualifications within the following areas:
• Expertise in biophysics with an emphasis on all of the following methods: Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Biacore SPR, Circular Dichroism spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Experience with specialised software such as SEDFIT/SEDPHAT, Origin, SigmaPlot.
• Good scientific publication record and technology/methodology development.
• Experience with quantitative protein-protein interaction analysis.
• Expertise in the use of fluorescent based biophysics methods.
• Knowledge of High Throughput Screening technologies is considered a merit.
• Experience with training and guiding technical staff.
• Have experience in supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written.
• Integrity, enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility, confidence and outstanding collaboration skills.
• Research qualifications such as an assistant professor or equivalent within the subject area(s)*
• Teaching qualifications such as an assistant professor or equivalent within the subject area(s)*
*If the applicant has no previous teaching experience through employment as an assistant professor or has not achieved corresponding teaching experience , the appointment will be probationary for 1 ½ years.
Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. A PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry or Protein Chemistry is required. An excellent track-record from leading laboratories in the field of protein interactions will be considered a distinct advantage.
Terms of employment
The terms will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations or other relevant professional organization. The post is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Questions
For further information, please contact the Head of Chemical Biology Unit Jens Berthelsen at (+45) 35 32 50 13 or by e-mail to jens . berthelsen “at” cpr . ku . dk (remove spaces).
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk
Application
The application, in English, must be submitted by clicking “Apply online” below and must include the following:
• An application with a motivation for applying for this position
• A curriculum vitae
• Diplomas
• A list of publications
• A research plan
• A teaching portfolio
• A teaching plan
• Publications (max 10) you wish considered in the assessment
Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee wishes to see further documentation and/or include work not listed in the application. Following processing of the application, any application material will be disposed of in a secure manner.
Also note that a detailed research plan by the candidate will be completed following a site-visit and interview at the Center. This approach is taken since the modus operandi of the Protein Production Unit at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research is process oriented and based on a systematic methodological research approach and not a standard academic working model.
Thus, it is required that the candidate is fully aware of the research approach conducted at the Center, prior to completing the research plan. The final plan will need to be approved by the Managing Director and relevant co-workers, as a pre-requisite for employment.
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
University of Copenhagen wishes to encourage all interested in this post to apply, regardless of personal background.
Please send the application with the above mentioned attachments electronically by clicking “Apply online” below. Only electronic applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 23.59, 20 of December 2011.
Deadline: 20-12-2011
Publisher: Faculty of Health Sciences
