PhD scholarship in Periodic Entanglement of Protein Assembly States Shaping Neurodegenerative Fate - DTU Bioengineering

Be part of a team performing cutting edge research in the field of phase separation in human diseases! Apply for the Lundbeck foundation-funded project with the aim to understand how protein aggregates form and how do they evolve with time in neurodegenerative diseases.
If you are establishing your career as a scientist and you are looking for a PhD opportunity with an ambitious and exciting project, it is right here in front of you. The research group of Asst. Prof. Soumik Ray at DTU Bioengineering is looking to recruit a PhD student, to start from 1 October 2025.

The laboratory performs cutting-edge experimental research in the field of protein and peptide phase separation and aggregation associated with human neurodegenerative diseases. The applied methods include protein engineering as well as various spectroscopy, confocal and electron microscopy, scattering, bio-sensing and microfluidics techniques and work on a range of protein systems — including alpha synuclein and TDP-43.

At DTU-Bioengineering you will break new ground at the absolute forefront of protein science and biophysics—tackling the molecular origins of neurodegenerative diseases of the brain. The overall aim of the research is to achieve a deep understanding of how protein aggregation starts and propagates via phase separated condensates — by developing dynamic, life-like experimental frameworks in test-tubes. The research also aims to challenge existing decades-old kinetic and thermodynamic frameworks of protein assembly pathways and develop new ones, by taking inspiration from the ‘out-of-equilibrium’ nature of living cells. To achieve these goals, you will also collaborate with world-leading protein scientists in Denmark (KU, DTU), and in the Netherlands (Radboud, TU-E, Wageningen).

Responsibilities:
Your main responsibility will be to contribute to the establishment and application of a more life-like, dynamic in vitro experimental framework with the aim of probing the relationship between protein phase separation and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Further tasks will include:

• Assistance in and involvement with other related research projects and topics in the group
• Help with the supervision of BSc and MSc students
• Taking responsibility for the functioning of research equipment
• Experimental design, data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences and meetings

Qualifications:
As our new PhD student, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in experimental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology or related fields. As well as practical laboratory experience with biophysical characterization of proteins and/or with protein phase separation in the context of an MSc thesis. Furthermore, if you are generally interested in the quantitative study of biomolecular systems in vitro and comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment of openness and collaboration, you will be a good fit in our team.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessments of the applicants will be made by Asst. Prof. Soumik Ray at DTU Bioengineering.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

Starting date is the 1 October, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Asst. Prof. Soumik Ray, tel.: +45 6147 9669, e-mail: souray@dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 May 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications, if any
• Contact details of 1-2 academic contacts who are prepared to provide a professional reference for the candidate.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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