Aarhus University
We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on deciphering the molecular mechanisms of how eukaryotic cells construct cilia organelles through selective recognition and trafficking of cargo proteins. The project will use biochemical and structural biology techniques such as cryo-EM to study how the intraflagellar transport machinery associate with, traffics and releases proteins destined for the cilium. Expected start date and duration of employment The position will begin 1. Feb 2026 or shortly thereafter and is initially funded for 2 years. Job description Recent work in the laboratory of Professor Esben Lorentzen has used AI-based methods in structural prediction to hypothesize how novel cargo proteins interact with the ciliary trafficking machinery. The goal of this postdoctoral position is to study these interactions using cutting-edge structural biology approaches. The lab is fully equipped with molecular biology and biochemistry facilities, with access to structure determination methods (X-ray crystallography and single-particle cryo-EM) and a high-performance GPU computer cluster for structural biology. Your profile The successful candidate should have: A Ph.D. degree in a relevant field Strong background in structural biology, biochemistry/biophysics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines Demonstrated research excellence through publications and/or technical achievements Strong collaborative skills and the ability to take initiative and responsibility Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English Who we are The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, part of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Aarhus University, conducts research in Molecular Medicine, Systems Biology, Structural Biology, Plant Molecular Biology, and Quantitative Genetics. The department hosts 220 full-time scientific staff and 140 Ph.D. students. What we offer Aarhus offers an exceptional quality of life, combining: Rich cultural scene and vibrant city life and easy access to beautiful nature Safe, family-friendly environment Excellent work-life balance International atmosphere For more information about working at Aarhus University, visit http://talent.au.dk/working-at-aarhus-university/ Place of work and area of employment The place of work is Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. Contact information For further information, please contact: Professor, Esben Lorentzen, el@mbg.au.dk Deadline Applications must be received no later than 17 December 2025. Application procedure Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants. Letter of reference If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration. If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk Formalities and salary range Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here. Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities. Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity. Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
Aarhus University
**Postdoctoral Position in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions** The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Dr. Aleksandr Gavrin's research group. **Position Details** This is a 3-year position available from April 1, 2026. **Research Focus** Our team investigates the molecular mechanisms governing legume-rhizobia symbiosis development and functionality in model and crop plants. This position is part of the collaborative project "Increasing Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation via Cytoplasmic Signalling Modulation," funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark. The project aims to uncover how host plants regulate symbiotic nitrogen fixation efficiency and identify genetic strategies for enhancement. **Key Responsibilities** - Design, execute, and analyze experiments to generate genetic and molecular insights into symbiotic interactions - Communicate research findings through publications and presentations - Collaborate within an international team environment - Share laboratory tasks and mentor new team members **Required Qualifications** - PhD in a relevant discipline (completed or near completion) - Demonstrated expertise and successful research record in plant genetics and molecular biology - Previous experience in plant-microbe interactions - Strong communication and scientific writing skills **Preferred Qualifications** - Experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and transcriptomics - Familiarity with model plants such as Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus **Work Environment** The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics provides a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment in newly renovated facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. Our plant molecular biology section features advanced cultivation facilities, extensive genetic resources, and established plant systems for comparative interaction studies. We foster a collaborative atmosphere emphasizing professionalism, equality, and work-life balance. **Application Requirements** Applications must include: - Curriculum vitae - Degree certificates - Complete publications list - Future research plans statement - Research activities information - Teaching portfolio and verified teaching experience (if applicable) All documents must be submitted in English through Aarhus University's recruitment system. **Application Deadline** January 30, 2026 **Benefits and Support** Aarhus University offers comprehensive services for international researchers and families, including relocation assistance and career counseling for partners. We provide a Junior Researcher Development Programme specifically for postdoctoral career advancement. Salary is determined according to collective labor agreements and depends on seniority. The university is committed to equality and diversity, welcoming all qualified applicants.
Aarhus University
PACE - The Lundbeck Foundation Parkinson’s Disease Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Postdoc in the field of Parkinson’s disease and environmental epidemiology as per 1 March or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term, full-time position for 4 years. Your role as a Postdoc will be to conduct high-level epidemiological research to study environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, and to participate in the translational research environment across the scientific disciplines at PACE. PACE – Lundbeck Foundation Parkinson’s Disease Research Center You will be part of PACE, the newly established Lundbeck Foundation Parkinson’s Disease Research Center, which is a translational research center focused on studies of Lewy body diseases. PACE consists of a close-knit community of world-leading research groups in basic and clinical Parkinson’s disease research, wherein a number of novel group leaders will be embedded. The center comprises research programs in clinical research and trials, longitudinal cohort building, multi-modal imaging, biobanks, epidemiology, neuropathology, wearables and biotech, experimental disease models including animal and cell models, and basic science programs in alpha-synuclein patho-mechanisms, neuroimmunology, and biomarker discovery. In two years, we expect to comprise 8-10 group leaders totaling 70+ researchers, students, and support staff. PACE is part of and collaborate closely with both Aarhus University, which is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 100 universities, and Aarhus University Hospital, which in 2024 was elected Denmark’s best hospital for the 15th time. PACE’s mission is to take research in Parkinson’s disease to the highest level possible and to improve life for people with Parkinson’s disease or other neurodegenerative disorders. We focus on discovering and validating novel innovative tools, biomarkers and disease-modifying mechanisms, which within a 10-year time frame will be applied in clinical trials. Department of Clinical Medicine PACE is part of the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, which is probably the largest health science research department in Denmark. Our clinical research covers all medical specialties and takes place in close collaboration with the university hospital and the regional hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. We have approx. 30,000 square metres of modern research facilities for experimental surgery and medicine, animal facilities and advanced scanners at our disposal. The department has overall responsibility for the Master's degree programs in medicine and in molecular medicine. At the department we are approx. 670 academic employees, 500 PhD students and 160 technical/administrative employees who are cooperating across disciplines. Department of Public Health In this Postdoc position, you will work closely with the Department of Public Health, where you will be part of an ambitious and internationally recognized department, working together to promote public health through research into areas that can prevent, treat, and alleviate disease. The department is involved in broad collaboration both internally and externally, aiming to create and share knowledge with citizens, decision-makers, business and industry, practitioners, and other researchers – in municipalities, in the regions, and both nationally and internationally. The department either contributes to or is responsible for teaching in medicine, public health science, sport science, optometry, and nursing. At the Department of Public Health, you will have approx. 200 colleagues, including ninety academic staff members and a corresponding number of PhD students. We work closely with one another across different fields of study and prioritize a healthy work environment. The general tone among colleagues is informal. About the research project Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder, and environmental exposures have been suspected as being causative of this negative development. This research project is a register-based project centered around the influence of various environmental exposures (pesticides, air pollution, toxicants etc.) and the subsequent risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The research project will be carried out in a tight collaboration between the Parkinson researchers at PACE and the epidemiologists at the Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, specialising in environmental epidemiology. The applicant will carry out and complete various epidemiological studies based on health registers and environmental parameter registers in collaboration with relevant partners. The applicant will use several databases and Danish national registries containing data on exposures at a geographically granular level, health data, diagnoses, medications, and more. The applicant will carry out epidemiological analyses by applying appropriate biostatistical methods. The applicant is expected to publish the research results in international peer-reviewed journals and disseminate them at national and international conferences. Your job responsibilities As a Postdoc in environmental epidemiology and Parkinson’s disease, your position is primarily research-based but may also involve teaching assignments and project management. You will contribute to the development of PACE through research of high international quality. In your daily work, you will work closely with colleagues on your project, where you will receive supervision and guidance. Your main tasks will consist of: Research of high international quality, including publications in top international journals and communicating your research in national and international academic networks. Health registry and environmental parameter registry-based studies. To contribute to the funding of your own research group with the help of external research funding. Communication of results – oral and in writing. Teaching in medicine and public health science. Supervising students (BA, MA, and PhD students). The position is a 4-year (non-tenured), full-time position as Postdoc and includes your salary and running costs for project-related costs (computers, registry access fees, pre-graduate research student salary etc.). A tailored mentoring program will be offered as part of the position. This position is a close collaboration between Department of Clinical Medicine and Department of Public Health, and the employment will therefore be divided equally between the two departments. You will report to Professor Per Borghammer, Director of PACE, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Professor Cecilia Ramlau-Hansen, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University. Your competences You have academic qualifications at the PhD level, preferably with a focus on one or more of the following areas: environmental epidemiology, Parkinson’s disease, and environmental health. You are expected to have the following competencies. Expert user of statistical software (e.g., R or SAS, or Stata). Experience with study design and statistical analysis of epidemiological data. Experience with management of register data and/or big data in connection with scientific studies and publications. Experience with monitoring environmental exposures and epidemiological analyses of these data. Experience in designing and conducting research on Parkinson’s disease and environmental health. Experience in research project management. Good cooperative and communication skills. As a person, you are ambitious, take ownership and possess good communication and interpersonal skills. We expect you to be fluent in oral and written English. In order to be assessed as qualified for a Postdoc position, you must meet these academic criteria. Shortlisting will be used. Questions about the position If you have any questions about the position, please contact Per Borghammer, borghammer@clin.au.dk. Your place of work will be PACE – the Lundbeck Foundation Parkinson’s Disease Research Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200 Aarhus N and Department of Public Health, Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000 Aarhus C. We expect to conduct interviews during weeks 50-51. Terms of employment Appointment as a postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities. The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne). Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health. The yearly base salary for a fulltime postdoc is between DKK 484.214,84 and DKK 538.720,20 depending on the years of working experience after achieved MSc degree. The base salary includes a position related supplement and pension (17.1 %). Additional supplement(s) for special qualifications can be negotiated. Authorisation supplemement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf. Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate. Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff Application Your application must include the following: Motivated application Curriculum Vitae Diploma Template for applicant - postdoc A list of publications A teaching portfolio. We refer to Guideline on the use of teaching portfolios A maximum of five of the publications of greatest relevance to the job may be submitted (optional) Research plan can be uploaded (optional) Coauthor statement(s) can be uploaded (optional) References/recommendations can be uploaded separately in the e-recruitment system (optional) We refer to the faculty’s Guidelines for applicants. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. International applicant? Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including assistance with relocation and career counselling to expat partners. Please find more information about the International Staff Office and the range of services here. Aarhus University also has a Junior Researcher Association and offers career development support. The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.