Associate Professor in Molecular Autophagy

at  Aarhus Universitet

The Department of Biomedicine at Faculty of Health at Aarhus University invites applications for a position as Associate Professor in the field of molecular/structural autophagy, with a special focus on LC3 proteins and their interactors, as per 1 November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years.
The Department of Biomedicine prioritises diversity and a good work environment, as this is a prerequisite for groundbreaking research. In a diverse and international research environment, dedicated employees are looking to generate new knowledge within biomedical research areas such as infection and inflammation, membranes, neuroscience and personalised medicine. The Department of Biomedicine provides research-based teaching of the highest quality and is responsible for a large part of the medical degree programme. Academic staff contribute to the teaching. English is the preferred language in the laboratory, at meetings and at seminars. The department employs approx. 500 people from all over the world, and they make use of the department’s modern laboratory-, core- and animal facilities. The Department of Biomedicine focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration with business and industry, and numerous researchers from the department have established companies to develop new medicinal treatments founded in professional scientific basic research.
We are looking for a scientist with expertise and proven-track record in studying LC3/GABARAP proteins and their interactors (but not restricted to), using in vitro biochemical assays, including biophysical characterization of the protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions (differential scanning calorimetry, isothermal titration calorimetry, thermal shift assay, NMR titration, fluorescence-based displacement assay), thermodynamic of protein folding and protein-protein/protein-ligand interactions, and all aspects of structural investigation of proteins and their complexes by NMR, structure determination and refinement; proteins crystallization.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Appointment as an associate professor requires research and teaching qualifications at the level that can be achieved through the satisfactory completion of a period of appointment as an assistant professor or researcher, but may also be obtained in other ways.
• The applicant is required to have completed a university pedagogical programme or an equivalent programme.
• Further information on the appointment procedure can be found in the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
• The appointment is in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).
• Remuneration is in accordance with the above, and the Salary agreement catalogue for staff at Health.
• The yearly base salary for a fulltime associate professor is DKK 688,621.88 (including a position related supplement and pension (17.1%)). Additional supplement(s) can be negotiated dependent on experience, special qualifications and performance of special functions. Authorisation supplement(s) will be granted, if relevant for the position. Your local eligible trade union representative at Aarhus University negotiates your salary on your behalf.
• Researchers recruited from abroad are offered a special researcher tax scheme with a lower tax rate.
• Travel and moving expenses may be covered according to the employee in question and, to a limited extent, the accompanying family.
• Further information on qualification requirements and job description can be found in the Ministerial order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

As Associate Professor in molecular autophagy, you will contribute to the department’s research and research-related teaching environment and to the faculty’s overall research strategy. You will contribute to the development of the department both individually and in collaboration with others via your research of high international quality. In addition to your own studies on LC3/GABARAP proteins and their interactors (proteins, peptides and ligands) in vitro and in cellulo, your research will synergistically contribute to the one of Fulvio Reggiori’s group, which focus on various aspect of autophagy in health and disease. In particular, you will provide expert advice and practical support on biochemical, biophysical and structural experiments, and bioinformatic analyses.
You ensure that your teaching maintains a high academic and didactic standard. You possess professional collaborative skills and a broad academic network which you are able to bring into play in your contribution to the academic development of Aarhus University and its profile both nationally and internationally.
If you do not fully meet the requirements for teaching, a plan must be laid out together with the head of department for how these qualifications will be achieved within 2 years.

Your main tasks will consist of:

• Research of high international quality, including publication in top international journals and communicating your research in national and international academic networks.
• Teaching and supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students and contribution to the development of new teaching activities.
• To contribute to the funding with the help of external research funding.
• Supervision of PhD students and contributing to the development of the faculty’s PhD courses.
• Integrate your research with the one of the Reggiori’s team as well as with the one of the faculty/university.
• Involvement in assessment and committee work at Aarhus University.
• Dissemination of your research to the outside world.

You will report to Professor Fulvio Reggiori.