Postdoc at the Copenhagen Center for Glycocalyx Research at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 3-year position to commerce 1 February 2026, or after agreement.
About the Copenhagen Center for Glycocalyx Research (CGR)
The Copenhagen Center for Glycocalyx Research (CGR) aims to uncover the vital role of the glycocalyx, a cell surface layer of complex glycans, that integrates signals from cells and their environment. By focusing on how cell surface receptors, glycans and glycan-binding proteins affect cellular interactions, CGR seeks to understand the influence of the glycocalyx influence on health and disease. CGR will explore changes in the glycocalyx linked to diseases such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and cancer, paving the way for new treatments and precision medicine.
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM)
Information on the department can be found at: https://icmm.ku.dk/english/.
The position
We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic postdocs with backgrounds in data science, protein design, biochemistry, mass spectrometry, cell biology, molecular biology, or related fields. The successful candidates will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment and work on projects centered around:
- Apply cutting-edge mass spectrometry–based proteomics to uncover dynamic protein changes and post-translational modifications in cellular signaling.
- Define key alterations in proteins and glycans and map how membrane dynamics and glycan–protein interactions reshape cellular networks.
- Link structure to function by dissecting how protein and glycan assemblies drive signaling and cell communication.
- Develop precision tools to selectively target disease-relevant assemblies, opening new therapeutic opportunities in cancer, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
Join us in advancing protein- and glycan-focused research at CGR
We investigate how dynamic protein changes, post-translational modifications, and protein–protein interaction networks are shaped by glycans and membrane dynamics. Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry–based proteomics, integrative omics technologies, and advanced cell biology approaches, we aim to link structure to function and uncover fundamental mechanisms of cellular signaling and communication. Our research seeks to define disease-relevant protein and glycan assemblies and develop precision tools to selectively target them, creating new therapeutic opportunities in cancer, chronic inflammation, and neurodegeneration. You will be part of a collaborative team within ICMM and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Glycomics, working closely with international leaders in mass spectrometry, glycoscience, and cell biology.
Essential experience and skills:
- PhD degree.
- Previous publications.
- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in membrane biology and/or glycosylation. Cell biology or disease research.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas: mass spectrometry, mammalian cell culture, data science, genome editing, protein expression and purification, protein design, protein structure, or 3D organoid tissue culture.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
- Proficient written and spoken English.
Our research environment
CGR strives to be a pioneer and a leader in the field of membrane biology and glycosciences. We are composed of several research groups and host about 15 postdocs and 15 PhD students, in addition to master’s students and guest researchers. The place of employment is at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.
Our research facilities include modern laboratories located in the Mærsk tower with access to state-of-the-art facilities for cell engineering, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry
We are mainly located on the 10th floor of the Mærsk Tower at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (https://icmm.ku.dk/). The CGR offers state-of-the-art facilities for mass spectrometry, mass photometry, flow cytometry, cell engineering, and glycan arrays. In addition, Sally Dabelsteen hosts tissue and organ culture systems at the Dental School Copenhagen. Moreover, as an integrated part of our activities, Jesper Velgaard Olsen leads the proteomics group at the Center for Protein Research at ICMM, developing and applying cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies to study cell signaling and protein modifications providing an essential element of the glycocalyx-focused research at CGR. As such, our core resources include proteomic, glycoproteome data and bioinformatics tools, validated gene editing protocols, glycoengineered cell libraries, 3D organ and tissue models, and design matrices for the recombinant production of glycotherapeutics. CGR also hosts an international seminar series, offers PhD courses in glycobiology and gene editing, and actively contributes to ICMM’s education programs.
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is February 1, 2026, or after agreement.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or another relevant organisation.
Currently, the monthly salary starts at DKK 39,237 / approx. EUR 5,266 EUR (November 2025-level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.
The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.
Questions
For further information please contact Professor Hans H. Wandall by e-mail: hhw@sund.ku.dk.
For International applicants, please read more about the working conditions: International Staff Mobility.
Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
- List of publications.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 30 November 2025, 23:59 pm. CET.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, 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 has been completed, each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7,800 students and approx. 5,800 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.