Tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor of De novo Protein Design

Tenure-track Assistant Professor or Associate Professor of De novo Protein Design 
Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design
University of Copenhagen
Associated with Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen Or Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design at the University of Copenhagen seeks to appoint two new group leaders in de novo protein design from 1 February 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. These positions will be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level and associated with the Department of Biology (Faculty of Science) or the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology (Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences).

About the Center
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design (CPD) is a new initiative that spans the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The aim of the centre is to accelerate protein design by gaining a deeper understanding of sequence-to-structure/function relationships in proteins, and by developing methods to programme these into functional, designed proteins.

CPD research is broad and not prescriptive, covering both fundamental and applied de novo protein design. Our three themes are:

• Programmable De Novo Protein Design, aimed at improving methods for protein design by combining rational, physics-based, and AI-based approaches
• Contextualised Protein Design, that is, designing proteins that are fit for purpose such as working directly and optimally in cells, chemical reactors, etc; and
• Biodesign for Sustainability and Healthcare, for instance working with biotech and industry to deliver synthetic proteins to address real-world challenges and needs.

The centre will train the next generation of protein scientists for careers in protein design and engineering, and it will apply protein-design methods to a diverse array of fundamental and real-world challenges. The CPD is funded by a 700M DKK (94M EUR) grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation initially for 7 years, from August 2025. It is housed in a completely new, purpose-built space with excellent facilities for computational and experimental protein design.  For further information on the CPD, see our web page.

Job description
The successful candidates will have strong backgrounds in computational and/or experimental de novo protein design, and an ambitious research and teaching plan in protein design that aligns both with the CPD mission and the teaching and research of one of the host departments. Because the CPD is a highly integrated, open, and collaborative environment, we aim to appoint new assistant or associate professors with strong skills in and a demonstrated record of collaboration and community engagement. Specifically, the new group leaders will be expected to contribute to the development of the centre, mentoring its students and junior researchers, and fostering an innovative and inclusive academic environment. We welcome applicants who show a commitment to diversity, knowledge transfer, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement, and who would contribute to these wider remits of the CPD mission and those of the host department to achieve societal impact of their research.

The CPD will support several core PhD student/postdoctoral positions for each assistant/associate professor appointment, along with running and travel costs, and access to excellent CPD facilities for computational and experimental protein design.  The new assistant/associate professors will be expected to raise external funds to grow their groups.

The responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication and academic dissemination
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of students and researchers
• Fundraising to establish strong research programmes and lead interdisciplinary research projects
• Research-based teaching at all levels, including associated examination
• Sharing knowledge with the wider scientific and non-scientific communities, including participation in public debates
• Contributing actively to the management and development of the CPD through internal roles and responsibilities
• Integrating the CPD into the wider University of Copenhagen and regional ecosystems
• Contributing to broader academic assessments and endeavours

Required qualifications
Applicants should have a strong track record in one or both of computational and experimental de novo protein design. We do not have any specific research topics or interests in mind for these positions – we are looking for exceptional individuals with energy and ambition to help build and advance research in the CPD at this early and formative stage.  However, alignment with one or more of the CPD’s research themes outlined above will be essential.

Applicants should be able to teach topics broadly across protein science, biochemistry, pharmacology, structural biology, or related subjects on the BSc, MSc, and PhD programmes in one of the two host departments, and are expected to contribute to the development of new courses incorporating protein design. In addition, a clear and structured plan for internal and external collaborations will be considered favourably.

Tenure-track assistant professor.
Assessment of applicants for the tenure-track assistant professorship will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Associate professor
Assessment of applicants for the associate professorship will primarily consider their level of documented, original scientific production at an international level, including contributions to developments in their field, as well as their documented teaching qualifications. Managerial and out-reach qualifications of applicants including ability to attract external funding will also be considered.

University of Copenhagen’s criteria for recognising merit
General criteria apply to the appointment of assistant professor / associate professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

Please read more here

For tenure-track assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf

For associate professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5b_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Associate_professors.pdf

Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

Furthermore, applicants at the tenure-track assistant professor level must be able to document:

• A positive publication trajectory in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• Experience with personal research grants or participation (by name) in major grants
• Research plans and publication records that demonstrate clear potential for attracting external funding
• Strong commitment to the development of innovative and student-centred research-based teaching. Documented university-level teaching experience would be an advantage.
• If they do not hold formal pedagogical qualifications, the successful candidates must complete training equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Program for Assistant Professors

Furthermore, applicants at the associate professor level must be able to document:

• A substantial publication record in high-level, international, peer-reviewed ISI journals
• A proven track record of securing major external research funding
• Documented university-level experience in delivering high-quality undergraduate/graduate teaching, with the ability to explain and reflect on one’s own teaching practices
• Formal pedagogical training or supervision equivalent to the University of Copenhagen’s teacher training program
• Strong commitment to the development of innovative and student-centred research-based teaching
• Managerial and outreach qualifications and experience

For either position, applicants are also required to possess good interpersonal and communication skills.

The tenure-track assistant programme
The tenure-track programme is a career programme and an assigned mentor will provide the tenure-track assistant professors with guidance related to career development, other academic topics and administrative procedures.

Performance of the tenure-track assistant professor will be followed via internal yearly evaluations and a mid-term and final international evaluation by an assessment committee. If the ‘final appraisal’ is positive you will be promoted as associate professor. Performance and progression towards the criteria below will be evaluated with due consideration of differences between research fields.

After a 6-year tenure-track period tenure-track assistant professors are expected to meet the criteria for appointment of associate professors at the University of Copenhagen.

Terms of employment
The position is open from 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment according to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Questions
For further information, please contact the Director of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design Prof. Dek Woolfson, d.n.woolfson@bio.ku.dk; Head of the Department of Drug Design and Pharmocology,  Prof. Dan Stærk, ds@sund.ku.dk; or Head of the Department of Biology, Prof. Niels Kroer, nk@bio.ku.dk. For general enquiries, please contact the CPD PA, Michala Yun-Joo Schlichtkrull or the CPD Scientific Manager, Dr. Gretchen Repasky, via cpd@ku.dk.

For information about the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Design, please visit cpd.ku.dk. For information about the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND), see www.drug.ku.dk and https://sund.ku.dk/. For information about the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science, see https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/ and https://science.ku.dk/english/.

Applicants from abroad, please find useful information from the International Staff Mobility unit at: https://www.ism.ku.dk/.

The CPD is located at Nørre Campus in the Copenhagen district of Østerbro. It can be reached in 10 minutes by public transportation from one of the city’s central transportation hubs, Nørreport station; however, most staff choose to cycle to work. Copenhagen, Denmark, is placed 2nd in the 2023 Global Liveability Ranking published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, based on assessments of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.  The city has a vibrant music, dance, and theatre culture, world-class restaurants, an extensive public transportation system, and excellent biking opportunities. Life for families is made easier by a publicly supported daycare and healthcare system, dual-career opportunities, maternity/paternity leave, and six weeks of annual vacation. Please read more about life in Denmark here: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk.

When the successful candidates are affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, they may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

Filing of application
The position may be applied for at the tenure-track assistant professor level or associate professor level. Please note that it is possible to apply at more than one level. If applied at more than one level, separate applications must be submitted (see below).

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

Applying for the tenure-track assistant professorship please include

• Cover letter (including motivation for applying for the position (max 2 pages))
• Curriculum vitae including:
  • Please describe and document international network and relations
  • Please describe and document internationally based activities
  • Positions held at universities/research institutions outside Denmark
  • Outreach activities, i.e. popular lectures or other activities in the media
  • Grants held, personal or in part, incl. career development grants.
  • A full list of publications
• Uploads of max 5 most-relevant publications to be considered in the assessment
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan - description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with the supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
  • Teaching plan (max 1 page targeted at a Master’s level course in protein design)

Applying for the associate professorship please include

• Cover letter (including motivations for applying for this position (max 2 pages))
• Curriculum vitae including:
  • Please describe and document international network and relations
  • Please describe and document internationally based activities
  • Positions held at universities/research institutions outside Denmark
  • Outreach activities, i.e. popular lectures or other activities in the media
  • Grants held, personal or in part, incl. career development grants.
  • A full list of publications
• Uploads of max 5 most-relevant publications to be considered in the assessment
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan - description of current and future research plans
• Description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications- please describe and document:
  • Experience with the supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
  • Teaching plan (max 1 page targeted at a Master’s level course in protein design)

The deadline for applications is 2 August 2026, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. All applicants will be notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean will then appoint an expert assessment committee to evaluate the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee, and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. The applicants will be assessed in accordance with the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities. You can read about the recruitment process at https://jobportal.ku.dk/. Please note that applicants will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on 21, 22 and 23 October 2026

Please refer to the following no. in future communication in this case:

211-0257/26-2N Tenure-track Assistant Professor of De novo Protein Design

211-0749/26-2E Associate Professor of De novo Protein Design