Two Postdoc positions in Cell Signaling and Phosphoproteomics at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research : Copenhagen, Denmark

Two postdoctoral stipends are available in the group of Jesper Olsen at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR –www.cpr.ku.dk). The Center has been established at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to promote basic protein research and comprises a wide range of expertise and technology platforms including mass spectrometry, imaging, protein production and biophysical characterization. The “Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Proteomics” group is headed by Prof. Dr. Jesper V. Olsen, who is also vice director of the Center. The goal of the Olsen group is to develop and apply mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies to solve questions in biology and biomedicine. With our world-leading expertise in phosphoproteomics and quantitative mass spectrometry, we aim to further understand cellular phospho-signaling networks following activation by extracellular stimuli or stress and link this to cellular phenotypes and diseases. We work with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) and apply it signaling questions in cell culture models (refs. Francavilla et al, Mol Cell 2013; Emdal et al, Science Signaling 2015) as well as in tissues (refs. Lundby et al, Science Signaling 2013; Lundby et al, Nature Methods 2014). We are looking for candidates with expertise in molecular biology and kinase-driven cell signaling.

Project description
PHOSPHOPROTEOMICS ANALYSIS OF DRUG RESPONSES IN CANCER CELLS. Analyze global changes in protein phosphorylation, kinase-drug interactions and protein synthesis by quantitative mass spectrometry in cancer cell lines and tissue samples from rodent models or patient material. Perform cell-based assays of cellular outcomes of marker-activation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, cell motility-induction and integrate this knowledge with the regulated phospho-signaling networks identified. Validate predicted cellular signaling hubs by molecular biology methods incl. Western blotting, microscopy, knockdown and site-directed mutagenesis.

The candidates should be able to conduct independent and creative research, demonstrate scientific productivity, and show good inter­personal and communication skills.
Projected start date: Early 2016 or later.

Qualifications
Candidates for the postdoctoral positions must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in natural or medical sciences and have an excellent scientific track record, including at least one publication as first author in a high quality, peer reviewed international journal. Strong knowledge and skills in cell biology and biochemistry is a requirement. 
The successful candidates will have strong qualifications or experience within one or several of the following areas:
• Cloning by standard methods, genome editing by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, mutagenesis, basic biochemistry procedures such as protein or protein domain production and purification, enzyme-based in vitro assays, western blotting, cell culture and cell transfection and to be up to date with relevant technical developments in molecular biology.
• Prior knowledge in cell signaling research topics would be considered a distinct advantage. 
• Prior experience in high performance mass spectrometry or quantitative phosphoproteomics is not essential, but would be considered an advantage. 
• Good communication skills in English, both oral and written.
• Successful grant writing skills is an advantage.
• Analytical skills and talent for devising innovative scientific or technical solutions.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, flexibility and confidence.