PhD Project in Protein Assemblies The Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science in the Department of Biology is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join projects on the biochemical and structural analysis of protein assemblies.
The three-year PhD position is fully funded with an anticipated start date of the 1st of October 2026 or soon thereafter.
Our Research We investigate the structure-function mechanisms in proteins that underlie disease and generate species-specific biological traits across the domains of life, pairing biochemical and structural studies with studies at the cellular and organismal level. We have modern facilities for recombinant protein production and biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins. In addition, we access to the
Center for Advanced Bioimaging and the
Core Facility for Integrated Bioimaging for advanced light microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy.
The Project We are looking for a driven and ambitious candidate with the ability to work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in persuing a PhD in the field of protein science with a focus on protein assembly.
The project will address fundamental questions regarding the structure and fuction of polymerizing enzymes. The goal is to define the rules that govern the homo- and hetero-oligomeric assembly of key enzymes from intermediary metabolism and includes using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques, including enzyme assays, polymerization assays, and cryo-electron microscopy.
Candidate Profile Qualifications The candidate should have a Masters degree or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, structural biology, or similar, providing basic theoretical and practical knowledge in protein science. Experience expressing and purifying recombinantly produced proteins, protein characterization, and practical experience applying biophysical and biochemical techniques should be demonstrated through a Masters project. The candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take initiative driving the project and to collaborate with other group members. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal qualities, including analytical capacity and communication, accuracy, flexibility, and collaborative skills.
Additional Merits and Desired Skills The ideal candidate will have one or more of the following competencies: expression and purification of proteins using
E. coli and a variety of chromatographic methods, protein characterization using enzyme assays and biophysical techniques, use of R for data analysis and plotting, practical experience in X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy, and experience with Linux and data processing for structural biology.
Selection Criteria Selection will be based on the above criteria, including the listed qualifications and interpersonal skills, relevant courses of study and suitability of the courses to the research program, and previous research experience in subject area. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the program and contribute to the positive development of the research program.
Location and Facilities The group is a part of the Section for Biomolecular Sciences in the Department of Biology, part of the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, in Copenhagen, Denmark. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and the opportunity for training in biophysical and biochemical techniques and advanced cryo-EM sample preparation, data collection, and data processing. The Core Facility for Integrated Bioimaging houses a Titan Krios, a Glacios, and a Helios Hydra along with several additional screening microscopes and full facilities for sample preparation.
The project is part of the laboratory of Asst. Professor Kelli Hvorecny, Department of Biology (
kelli.hvorecny@bio.ku.dk). Professor Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, Department of Biology, will serve as principal supervisor for PhD program related matters.
The PhD program The program covers
three years of full-time study within the framework of
the regular PhD program (5+3 scheme), which requires an education
equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree. Qualifications To be eligible for the regular PhD program, you must have completed a degree program, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biochemistry, structural biology, molecular biology, or similar. For information on the eligibility of completed programmes, see
General assessments for specific countries and
Assessment database.
Terms of employment: - Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
- Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
- Terms of appointment and payment are according to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme - Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
Application and Assessment Procedure Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated cover letter which includes a statement on why this project is of interest to you, how you will contribute, and what you hope to learn (maximum one page);
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant for the position;
- Original diplomas for Bachelors and Masters degrees and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language besides English or Danish (if the Masters degress is not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted);
- A publication list if available; and,
- A maximum of two reference letters (if available).
Application deadline: The deadline for applications is 3rd June 2026, 23:59 CEST (GMT +2).
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not meet the abovementioned requirements.
Next Steps After the deadline, a subset of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified if you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at
http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in July or August.
Questions For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact Asst. Professor Kelli Hvorecny.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website:
https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.