PhD fellowship in membrane proteins from viruses, their functional and structural properties, and their druggability

The Laboratory for Molecular and Translational Pharmacology (MolPharm) at Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, is seeking a highly motivated PhD fellow to characterize viral membrane proteins.

The PhD position is fully funded and for 3 years, starting on 15 July 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.  

Information on MolPharm can be found at: Rosenkilde Group – University of Copenhagen

Our research

We investigate how membrane proteins translate structural features into functional outcomes. For many years, we have focused on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with an emphasis on ligand recognition, receptor activation, intracellular cycling, biased signaling, and crosstalk in the immune and endocrine systems. Our work extends to virus-encoded ion channels (viroporins), where we study the same properties as those of the receptors. We combine molecular pharmacology, structural biology, computation, and quantitative biophysics, supported by state-of-the-art biophysical assays and site‑directed approaches to identify and characterize novel modulators of GPCRs and viral ion channels.

The project

We are looking for a driven and ambitious person who can work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of protein science with a focus on viral membrane proteins.

The project will address fundamental questions regarding the structure, oligomerization, and pore-forming and/or ion‑channel function of viroporins, a diverse family of small viral membrane proteins that form oligomeric pores essential for viral life cycle and pathogenesis. The goal is to define the molecular principles governing viroporin assembly, map intra- and intersubunit contacts, and study pore function, ion selectivity, and druggability via modulation by small‑molecule inhibitors. This includes establishing high‑throughput pipelines for heterologous expression, purification, and reconstitution of viral membrane proteins. Druggability will be assessed using a high-throughput fluorescence-based screening platform in a human cell line.

Who are we looking for?

The person we are looking for should have a master’s degree or equivalent in biochemistry, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular biomedicine, or a related field, with basic theoretical and practical knowledge of protein science, cell biology, and pharmacology.

The applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take the initiative in driving the project while also collaborating with other members of the MolPharm lab. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility, and collaborative skills.

Additional merits or desired skills: The ideal candidate has one or more of the following competencies: molecular pharmacological characterizations of membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells, including, for instance, GPCRs or ion channels; protein chemistry approaches such as recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins; advanced microscopy methods.

The selection is based on the following criteria: Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to structural and functional properties of membrane proteins. An integrated assessment of the applicant is conducted to identify the best possible candidate who can succeed in doctoral studies and contribute to the positive development of the department and the research program.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The Rosenkilde Group is part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, located on the Panum campus in the Northern Campus area, close to the center of Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic, international research environment. The group forms an integral part of the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology research division, bringing together scientists with shared interests in membrane proteins: G protein‑coupled receptor (GPCR) biology, viroporins, ion channels, transporters, ligand recognition, receptor activation and desensitization, allosteric modulation, and oligomerization.

Our research focuses on understanding the relationship between the structure and function of membrane proteins. We combine molecular pharmacology, structural biology, biophysical assays, and computational approaches to uncover mechanisms of activation, modulation, and inhibition, discover novel ligands, and refine them to improve drug properties.

The environment provides access to state‑of‑the‑art experimental facilities for receptor characterization, ligand screening, and functional assays, supported by a broad expertise spanning protein engineering, mutagenesis, signaling analyses, and biophysical characterization

Principal supervisor is Professor Mette M. Rosenkilde, rosenkilde@sund.ku.dk

Job description:

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SUND are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision

• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points
• Participating in an active research environment, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Writing scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years.

The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. 

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree.

Salary, pension, and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 31,200 DKK, /Roughly 4,170 EUR (November 2025 level). In addition, the employer will pay 18,07% in pension.

The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Application procedure

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position
3. Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree
4. Publication list (if possible)

Application deadline: 13 May 2026 23:59 pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline and not to consider applications that do not meet the above-mentioned requirements.

The further process

After the application deadline expires, 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 is complete, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to them.

You find information about the recruitment process at: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/  

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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 21 and 22.

The University of Copenhagen seeks to reflect the diversity of society and encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background.