Postdoctoral Researcher in Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Technology Development

Applications are invited for a two-year postdoctoral position in mass spectrometry and proteomics technology development at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Aarhus University, Denmark.

The position is available in the Nielsen Laboratory, which focuses on developing advanced mass spectrometry-based technologies to understand regulatory protein states, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and cellular signalling.

We are seeking an ambitious and technically skilled researcher with demonstrated experience in developing, establishing, or optimizing mass spectrometry-based proteomics methodologies. Candidates should have a strong background in at least one area of proteomics technology development, including LC-MS/MS method development, chromatographic optimization, sample preparation, PTM analysis, or related analytical technologies.

The position offers an exciting opportunity to pursue innovative technology development while taking an active role in building and shaping a growing research group at Aarhus University.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The position is a two-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension.
The expected start date is 15 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Job description
The successful candidate will join a growing research programme focused on developing advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies and applying these to fundamental questions in molecular and cellular biology.

Our research integrates state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, quantitative proteomics, analytical method development, peptide and protein chemistry, and PTM biology to investigate how regulatory protein states control cellular function.

A central objective of the position is to develop innovative analytical methodologies that expand the capabilities, sensitivity, robustness, and throughput of modern proteomics. Potential research directions include advanced LC-MS/MS acquisition strategies, quantitative PTM proteomics, chromatographic optimization, automated sample preparation, and novel approaches for studying protein regulation.

The position provides considerable scientific freedom to develop and pursue new technological ideas, with opportunities to establish independent research directions and translate methodological innovations into high-impact scientific publications.

As an early member of a newly established research group at Aarhus University, the successful candidate will also have a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the development of the laboratory's scientific activities, technological capabilities, and future research directions.

Primary responsibilities

• Develop, establish, and optimize innovative mass spectrometry-based proteomics methodologies.
• Design and independently drive research projects with a strong emphasis on analytical innovation and technological advancement.
• Explore and implement new approaches to improve proteomics sensitivity, quantitative accuracy, reproducibility, and analytical throughput.
• Develop and apply advanced proteomics technologies to investigate PTMs and regulatory protein states.
• Contribute to establishing new experimental workflows and analytical capabilities within the laboratory.
• Collaborate with national and international research partners across proteomics, analytical chemistry, and molecular biology.
• Communicate research findings through publications in leading international scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the scientific development and continued expansion of the research group, including mentoring junior researchers and developing new collaborative projects.

Applicants must hold a PhD in proteomics, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have demonstrated the ability to develop, establish, or substantially improve experimental and analytical methodologies, rather than solely applying established proteomics workflows.

Applicants must demonstrate significant hands-on experience and scientific contributions in at least one of the following areas:

• Mass spectrometry method development: Establishment or optimization of advanced LC-MS/MS acquisition methodologies, including data-independent acquisition (DIA), fragmentation strategies, instrument parameter optimization, or related approaches for improving analytical performance on modern mass spectrometry platforms.
• Liquid chromatography and separation technologies: Development and optimization of chromatographic methodologies for proteomics, including LC gradient design, peptide separation, nanoLC or microflow LC, improved peak capacity, or approaches to enhance sensitivity, robustness, and throughput.
• Proteomics sample preparation and workflow development: Development or substantial optimization of protein and peptide sample preparation methodologies, including automated or high-throughput workflows, digestion strategies, sample clean-up, enrichment techniques, or quantitative proteomics applications.
• Post-translational modification proteomics: Development and optimization of methodologies for PTM enrichment, characterization, or quantitative analysis, including phosphorylation, ADP-ribosylation, ubiquitination, or other regulatory protein modifications.
• Peptide and protein chemistry: Development of innovative approaches involving peptide or protein chemistry, chemical modification, affinity enrichment, selective capture, or related analytical strategies relevant to mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
• Innovative proteomics technologies: Development of other advanced analytical approaches, such as low-input or single-cell proteomics, alternative fragmentation techniques, novel sample processing technologies, or integrated analytical workflows.

Expertise in one of these areas is sufficient. Applicants are not expected to possess experience across all the listed technologies. We particularly welcome researchers with a strong technical specialization who are motivated to expand their expertise into complementary areas of proteomics technology development.

A central selection criterion will be the applicant's demonstrated contribution to methodological development and technological innovation.

Applicants are expected to document relevant expertise through at least one first-author research publication in which they have made a substantial contribution to the development, establishment, or optimization of an analytical method or experimental technology.

In their application, candidates should identify the publication(s) most relevant to this requirement and briefly describe their personal contributions, the technological challenge addressed, and the methodological advances achieved.

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage but is not required:

• Proteomics data processing, bioinformatics, quantitative data analysis, or systems biology.
• Advanced computational analysis of LC-MS/MS data, including DIA data processing and statistical evaluation.
• Mammalian cell culture, including experimental perturbations and cellular model systems.
• Handling and processing of biological tissues, clinical samples, or other complex biological materials.
• Development or implementation of laboratory automation and high-throughput experimental workflows.
• Protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or functional studies of protein regulation.
• Programming, scripting, or computational workflow development, including R or Python.
• Experience working across interdisciplinary projects involving analytical technology development and biological applications.
  
  

We are looking for a researcher who:

• Is scientifically ambitious, highly motivated, and driven by developing innovative solutions to challenging analytical problems.
• Demonstrates creativity, initiative, and a strong ability to translate scientific ideas into experimental advances.
• Takes ownership of research projects and has the determination to drive them from initial concept to publication.
• Enjoys solving technical challenges and continuously improving experimental methodologies.
• Thrives in a dynamic research environment where new ideas, technologies, and scientific directions are actively developed.
• Works independently while contributing positively to a collaborative and supportive research environment.
• Has strong scientific communication skills and an interest in developing an independent research profile.

The position will be based in the Nielsen Laboratory at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), Aarhus University.

Our research focuses on understanding how dynamic post-translational modification networks regulate protein function and cellular behaviour. We develop and apply innovative mass spectrometry-based technologies to characterize regulatory protein states and uncover fundamental mechanisms controlling cellular function in health and disease.

The laboratory builds on more than 15 years of internationally recognized research in regulatory proteomics, ADP-ribosylation biology, and mass spectrometry-based technology development.

We are currently establishing and expanding our research activities at Aarhus University, combining technological innovation with fundamental biological discovery.

Joining the laboratory at this stage provides a particularly attractive opportunity for a motivated researcher to help build a research environment, influence its technological development, establish new analytical capabilities, and contribute to defining future research priorities.

The group benefits from strong international scientific connections and an interdisciplinary research environment spanning molecular biology, genome stability, structural biology, enzymology, and advanced proteomics.

MBG provides an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and a strong commitment to scientific excellence.

More information:
https://mbg.au.dk

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to take an active role in establishing and shaping a growing proteomics research group at Aarhus University.
• Considerable scientific freedom to develop innovative technologies and pursue independent research ideas.
• Access to advanced mass spectrometry and proteomics research infrastructure.
• Opportunities to pioneer analytical workflows and establish technological capabilities with broad scientific applications.
• A research environment where technological innovation, scientific ambition, and independent initiative are strongly encouraged.
• Strong opportunities for high-impact scientific publications, international collaborations, and conference participation.
• Support for career development, scientific networking, and applications for independent research funding.
• Close interaction with national and international researchers working at the forefront of proteomics, PTM biology, and molecular biology.
• A collaborative and supportive environment that values scientific creativity, technical excellence, and intellectual curiosity.

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Universitetsbyen 81, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

For further information, please contact:

Professor Michael L. Nielsen

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Aarhus University

Email: mln@mbg.au.dk

Applications must be received no later than 23 November 2026.

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self.

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.