Postdoctoral Research Position: Integrative Structural Biology and Biophysics of Dynamic Plant Hormone Transporters

Postdoctoral Position in Plant Hormone Transporter Biophysics

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Plant-PATH Center of Excellence

Aarhus University invites applications for a postdoctoral position within the prestigious Plant-PATH Center of Excellence at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. This exciting opportunity focuses on the biophysical characterization of intrinsically disordered regions in plant hormone transporters, with initial emphasis on auxin transporters from the PIN family and their molecular interactions.

Position Details

• Duration: 3 years initially with possibility of extension
• Start date: June 1, 2026 (earliest)
• Location: Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Research Focus

Join the Plant-PATH Center of Excellence's mission to understand the molecular mechanisms of hormone transport in plants and their biotechnological applications. This project centers on membrane transporters from the PIN family, which regulate plant growth through auxin transport. You will investigate the role of large intrinsically disordered loops using cutting-edge structural and biophysical approaches.

Your research may encompass:

• Protein engineering and interaction characterization
• De novo design of protein binders
• Integrative structural biology using NMR, SAXS, and single-molecule FRET
• Computational protein design and analysis

Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek a motivated researcher comfortable with both experimental and computational approaches. The successful candidate should possess:

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (completed or near completion) in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, biotechnology, nanoscience, or related field
• Strong track record of research productivity
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and excellent collaboration skills

Technical Experience (some areas required):

• Recombinant protein expression and purification
• Biochemical and biophysical protein characterization
• Protein structure prediction or computational protein design

Research Environment

Join a dynamic, young research group of approximately 15 members in a newly renovated laboratory space with state-of-the-art facilities. You will have access to:

• Advanced biophysical infrastructure through the PI-led biophysics core facility
• GPU cluster with established computational design pipelines
• Department bioimaging and proteomics core facilities
• International collaboration opportunities through Plant-PATH's network spanning Denmark, Belgium, and Germany

Professional Development

Aarhus University is committed to supporting career development through:

• Junior Researcher Development Programme for postdocs
• Career counseling and competency development programs
• International researcher support services
• Transparent career progression pathways

Application Requirements

Submit a complete application in English including:

• Curriculum vitae
• Degree certificates
• Complete publication list
• Statement of future research plans
• Research activity information
• Teaching portfolio (if applicable)

Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

Applications must be submitted through Aarhus University's online recruitment system. The selection process includes shortlisting with expert assessment committee evaluation.

Aarhus University values equality and diversity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. We encourage applicants to specify any career breaks to ensure fair evaluation of research productivity relative to actual research time.