Postdoc in nucleotide drug delivery

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc for a two-year position joint between the Center for Biopharmaceuticals and Biobarriers in Drug Delivery (BioDelivery) and Center for Optimized Oligo Escape and Control of Disease (COE). The position is available from February 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research environment

The position is shared between the Group of Prof. Nikos S. Hatzakis at the Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen and the Group of Prof. Hanne M. Nielsen from the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen. The student is expected to spend equal time in both labs, combining bulk cell studies with quantitative imaging and analysis.

Job description

The project is focused on the development, optimization, and use of advanced methodologies for deciphering how excipients such as permeation enhancers affect cellular uptake and endosomal release of oligonucleotide drugs and delivery systems. The project will involve in vitro cell assay and live cell imaging, single particle tracking and quantitative analysis. By combing information gathered from single particle tracking with bulk studies, this project aims to decipher how excipients affect cellular uptake and endosomal release.

The project lies in the interface of pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology, biophysics and nanoscience and requires extensive cell studies, advanced single particle and single cell imaging as well as statistical analysis. The postdoc will aim to quantify diffusion of small molecule pharmaceutics and peptides within cell culture models. During the project, the student is expected to both perform cell studies and advanced single cell measurements, and treat the high-quality, high-volume data.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• You have a PhD in of pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology, biophysics, nanoscience or within similar disciplines
• Experience in bulk in vitro/ex vivo studies as well as single particle microcopy studies.
• Previous experience with use of excipients for improved drug delivery
• Have demonstrative collaborative skills
• Experience in managing cross-disciplinary projects
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience

Further information about the position

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

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

The place of employment is shared between the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Copenhagen and Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within Chemistry and Pharmacy as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Departments is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Nikos Hatzakis (hatzakis@chem.ku.dk).

The position is open from 1st of February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Motivation letter (max. one page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list

The deadline for applications is 1 November 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held in November 2024.