Postdoc in mass spectrometry for quantitative proteomics

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We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position to commence June 29, 2026.

The postdoc candidate will develop and apply mass spectrometry-based spatial proteomics workflows to FFPE material for cancer diagnosis. Information on the department can be found here .

Our research
Olsen Group We offer a vibrant, ambitious and international research environment, as well as access to cutting-edge facilities within protein science. We address unsolved questions in cell signalling. The group aims to characterize how signalling networks regulate cellular responses differentially when mediated by phosphorylation and other modifications. The major scientific focus area for us is quantitative, high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics with specific emphasis on mass-spectrometric technology developments for single-cell proteomics and its biological applications.

We have a long-standing interest in applying proteomics technology developments to systems-wide analyses of dynamic post-translational modifications such as site-specific phosphorylation that regulate essentially all cellular signal transduction pathways. Offline peptide fractionation and enrichment methods combined with high-resolution Orbitrap Astral tandem mass spectrometry acquisition strategies are continuously developed by us with the aim to be more robust, reproducible, and rapid.

We are part of national and international collaboration networks. The candidates will be part of the Danish National Research Foundation Center for Glycocalyx Research (GCR) and work as part of the project teams on the ERC-synergy grant project ’ADIPOHealth’ or the NNF Laureate research grant project on single-cell proteomics to study PTMs in health and disease.

Your job
You will join a multi-disciplinary research team working on proteomics sample preparation, peptide separation, MS acquisition methods and computational proteomics strategies.

You will be expected to contribute to and support the ongoing research projects in the group on an ad hoc basis when needed.

Your tasks will include the following depending on your specific experience and skills:

Your tasks will be to be in-charge of developing and applying mass spectrometry-based spatial proteomics workflows to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy material for cancer diagnosis. Specifically, the candidate will develop a streamlined micro-FFPE proteomics sample preparation protocol for laser-capture micro-dissection (LMD) that enables scalable and high-throughput processing in 96-well format and integrates whole-slide imaging, LMD, and ultra-sensitive narrow-window data-independent acquisition (nDIA)-MS using the Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer.

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

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Life Sciences or related
• Previous first-author publications in spatial proteomics
• You are highly experienced in mass spectrometry-based proteomics with specific expertise in spatial-proteomics of FFPE samples using deep visual proteomics
• Prior experience in developing proteomic methods for high-sensitivity spatial-proteomics
• Prior experience in bioinformatics analysis of spatial-proteomics data
• You have an active interest in LC-MS/MS optimization
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Collaborative mind set, specifically in the context of spatial-proteomics, with a proven track record
• Proven experience in bioinformatics analysis, visualization, and presentation of proteomics data
• Documented experience and active interest in supervision of students in the context of MS-based proteomics
• Experience with Orbitrap Astral Zoom MS and Evosep ENO LC.

Place of employment
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.

You will be part of two centers, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) and the Copenhagen Center for Glycocalyx Research (CGR). CPR promotes basic and applied discovery research on human proteins with medical relevance and is a strong hub for research on genome stability maintenance and human disease, comprising modern laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities within protein science. 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, and CGR’s 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.

Scientific environment
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. ICMM aims to produce research with high international impact focusing on the functional cell, its genetic components and molecular cellular mechanisms in a medical context. ICMM currently comprises five research programmes, three high profile Research Centers as well as a number of international research groups. The scientists at ICMM are involved in high quality research based undergraduate and graduate teaching programs at the University of Copenhagen. You can read more at ?url=www.icmm.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.icmm.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.icmm.ku.dk

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 two years. The starting date is June 29 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

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.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen, jesper.olsencpr.ku.dk . 

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: ?url=www.ism.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.ism.ku.dk&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ism.ku.dk (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:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. 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.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 1 April 2026, 23.59 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. 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 ?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Femployment.ku.dk%2Ffaculty%2Frecruitment-process%2F&module=jobs&id=4393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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 University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

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.

Contact

Jesper Velgaard Olsen
E-mail: qwt607ku.dk

Info

Application deadline: 01-04-2026

Employment start: 29-06-2026

Working hours: Full time

Department/Location: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research

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