Postdoc in the Calmodulinopathy Research Program (2024-224-06018)

Postdoc in the Calmodulinopathy Research Program (2024-224-06018)

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience a position as Postdoc in the Calmodulinopathy Research program is open for appointment from 1 December 2024 or soon hereafter. The position is available for a period of 2.5 year.

Jobbeskrivelse
Calmodulinopathies were first described, when we in 2012 first coupled human genetic variants in calmodulin to cardiac arrhythmia. Since then, a major research focus for us has been to understand the molecular consequences of these variants on protein structure and function, on calmodulin’s interaction with other proteins, and how this translates to disease phenotype. To this end, we have implemented several advanced biophysical assays to measure effects on protein interactions. Today, we are a meta-group of complementing research fields, where we study calmodulin variants across genetics, protein structure, protein biophysics, cell biology and inC. elegans model animals.

The Calmodulinopathy Research Program is a Novo Nordisk Foundation Tandem funded project, headed by Professor Michael Toft Overgaard at AAU and by Professor Peter Schwartz, Istituto Auxologico, Milan, Italy. With this project we bridge our experimental work in Aalborg with clinical information and patient samples collected in Milan. We study known and new calmodulin variants and link our genetic andin vitrounderstanding to impact on patient-derived cells and the clinical manifestation.

In this postdoc position, you will study effects of calmodulin variants in model systems based on cultured cells. There are two major components of the project: First you will study calmodulin’s regulation of other proteins in immortalized cell lines, such as HEK and SH-SY5Y. This includes studying the regulation of the calcium channel ryanodine receptor type 2. There will be a focus on microscopy-based methods, and you will participate in designing and/or implementing new assays. The second part of the project focuses on the effects of calmodulin variants on cardiomyocytes differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. This research is currently based in Milan, and you will participate in the project there and implement some of the technology at our research facilities in Aalborg.The project is headed by Professor Michael Toft Overgaard and Assistant Professor Helene Halkjær Jensen. You may obtain further information about the project by e-mail:[email protected] [email protected]. The primary workplace is at the Medical Biotechnology section, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg East, Denmark. The position also involves one or more research stays at Istituto Auxologico, Milan, Italy.

Limited teaching within the area can be expected, but also in other study programmes at the University.

The department provides cutting-edge research and teaching in biotechnology, biology, environmental science, chemistry, and chemical engineering. Our research solves important topics for the benefit of society, and through research-based teaching, we educate independent, collaborative, and solution-oriented bachelors, graduates, and PhDs.

At the department, we have high-profile research sections and individual researchers who deliver world-class applied and basic scientific research with a mission-driven approach, and who contribute to the development of new technologies, methods, and new basic insights within natural science and engineering.

We are a dynamic workplace with high professionalism and efficiency, a good working environment, and with a focus on work-life balance. We strive for a culture with collaboration that promotes openness and curiosity towards new initiatives and ideas and with a constructive approach to problem solving. As an employee at the department, you will be part of an international research environment, with a focus on innovation, knowledge sharing and excellency as well as interdisciplinary collaborations.

Qualification requirements:
Appointment as postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD level or similar scientific qualifications. It is a significant advantage if you have experience and qualifications in cell biology or in a closely related field. The applicant must be experienced in mammalian cell culture with a documented track-record related to these competencies. Experience with microscopy, electrophysiology, induced pluripotent stem cells, biophysical methods, or calcium signaling are considered a great advantage.

The applicant must be highly motivated and able to work systematically and independently, using problem-solving skills and critical thinking, in an interdisciplinary research environment. Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement, as well as a cooperative personality and good communication skills. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A reflection on the current main research questions regarding calmodulinopathies(½-1 page text)
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas(Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact Kristina Enggaard by [email protected]. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seenhere.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities(the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.

Ansøgningsfrist
2024-10-01

Ref. nummer
2024-224-06018

Afdeling
Department of Chemistry and Bioscience