Postdoc in Biophysical Studies of Protein Aggregation for Materials Applications

The research group of Prof. Alexander K. Buell at the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Bioengineering) is looking to recruit a postdoctoral fellow, to start from 1st of November 2026 or as soon as possible afterwards. Our laboratory performs cutting-edge experimental research in the field of protein and peptide self-assembly and aggregation. The applied methods include protein engineering as well as various spectroscopy, scattering, biosensing and microfluidics techniques. We work on a range of protein systems the aggregation and self-association of which is associated with human disease, but also in the context of food proteins and protein materials. The overall aim of our research is to achieve a profound mechanistic understanding of protein and peptide assembly into ordered (fibrillar, crystalline) and disordered (amorphous, liquid droplet) condensed phases and of the physico-chemical factors and sequence determinants that drive it. To achieve these goals, we also collaborate with structural, computational and medical biologists. The motivation behind our research is to enable rational control of such assembly processes in the context of human disorders, nutrition, protein biotechnology as well as in the creation of novel types of functional biomaterials.

Research projects
The successful applicant will contribute to a number of research project, the aim of which is to exploit our mechanistic understanding of protein self-assembly to generate materials in a more energy- and atom-efficient manner. This involved notably plant-derived proteins, but also recombinant ones.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will contribute to the experimental efforts in the projects mentioned above. Further tasks will include:

• Assistance in and involvement with other research projects and topics in the group
• Collaboration with other postdocs in the lab and help with the supervision of a PhD student who are also involved in the projects
• Taking responsibility for the functioning of research equipment
• Experimental design, data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences and meetings

You must

• Be interested in the quantitative study of biomolecular systems in vitroin the context of materials science
• Have practical experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, as well as their quantitative biophysical characterisation by fluorescence, imaging, scattering and microfluidic methods.
• Feel comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment of openness and collaboration
• Have a strong track record in the generation, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of scientific results (as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, oral presentations, teaching and outreach activities).

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 6 months. The starting date is 1.11.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Alexander K. Buell, alebu@dtu.dk

Homepages:

• https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english/ResearchNy/Research-Sections/Section-for-Protein-Chemistry-and-Enzyme-Technology/Protein-Biophysics
• https://buelllab.org/

You can read more at https://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.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 23 September 2026 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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.

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DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.