Assistant Professor in Protein chemistry in the Ploug Group at the Finsen Laboratory, BRIC

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet

We seek a highly motivated and independent scientist to support our efforts in studying protein interactions relevant for human physiology and disease. Our current research focus concerns proteins involved in intravascular lipid metabolism. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining our biophysical equipment, supervising younger researchers, and conducting high quality research within intravascular triglyceride metabolism.  

Start: Preferably October 2026 or after agreement  

Duration: Three years

Our research group  

Our research group at the Finsen Laboratory focus on biochemical and biophysical characterization of disease relevant proteins and their ligands. We provide detailed understanding on how a given pathway maintains homeostasis in normal physiology and why certain aberrations—such as missense variants—cause dysregulation in pathophysiology. For references on our research in intravascular lipid metabolism (PNAS 2025 PMID 40112106; PNAS 2023, PMID 37094117; Cell Metab 2019).  

 We offer a highly dynamic and interactive research environment with an extensive national and international research network. Our attention is strictly focused on the scientific research and we seek to launch a joint effort to advance and keep momentum in our research—thus exploiting the synergy created in that process. And that is great fun!  

Your job

Your task would be to perform state-of-the-art science within intravascular lipolysis with a focus on protein chemical characterization of key components of the system. You will also be responsible for maintaining of instruments such as HPLC, nano-DSF, mass photometer, CD etc. We seek a person with strong collaborative skills, who will guide and develop other projects in the group.    

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile

General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant professor at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organisational 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.

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

Qualifications  

We expect you to be a highly motivated and highly ambitious scientist with the following qualifications:  

• A PhD in Life Science preferably with 2-3 year post-doctoral experience.

•You have experience in teaching and training bachelor or master students

• Documented experience in producing high quality recombinant proteins in various heterologous host systems.  

• Documented experience in using biophysical tools such as: surface plasmon resonance, nano-DSF, CD, HDX-MS, and/or single-molecule mass photometry.  

• Proven ability to envision, plan and execute a research project

•You have disseminated your science in national and international meetings

• Good organizational skills and flexibility  

• Excellent English skills written and spoken  

 For further information regarding the position, please contact Group Leader Michael Ploug by email at m-ploug@finsenlab.dk  

Place of employment  

The employment is at The Finsen Laboratory, BRIC, University of Copenhagen. The Finsen Laboratory is located in the Copenhagen Biocenter. The Finsen Laboratory houses 6 research groups, each headed by a group leader. Currently we are approximately 70 staff members, including students and interns. We work in close collaboration with the research groups at BRIC, University of Copenhagen.

Our research facilities include modern laboratories and a number of core facilities shared between the 23 research groups at Finsen Laboratory and BRIC. We have weekly journal or data clubs, seminars with invited speakers and a young researchers club ASAP.  

Please read more about the Ploug research group at www.bric.ku.dk/research-groups/Research/ploug_group/

Terms of salary and employment  

Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the Collective Agreement concerning Academics in the state sector concluded between the Danish Ministry of Finance and Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Salary level is based on seniority.

The position is full-time (37 hours/week).

Application  

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking the link on the page. The application must include the following documents/attachments.  

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.

4. List of publications.  

5. 2 letters of recommendation. To be taken into consideration, the letter must be signed by the supporting person on paper with institutional letter head and in PDF-format.  

Application deadline: 1 July 2026, 23.59 (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 above-mentioned 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. 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 University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.