PhD fellowship in Biomolecular Native Mass Spectrometry

PhD fellowship in Biomolecular Native Mass Spectrometry

We are offering a PhD fellowship in biomolecular (single molecule) native mass spectrometry commencing 1 January 2027 or shortly thereafter.

Our group and research

Proteins and other large biomolecules are a rapidly growing class of next-generation drugs. Specialized analytical tools are needed to characterize these large and increasingly complex biomolecules. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique to study protein structure. The Protein Analysis Group in the Department of Pharmacy has internationally-recognized expertise in the analysis of protein higher order structure using MS. The PhD candidate will join a new research program led by Assistant Professor Victor Yin, an expert in native mass spectrometry.

Project Description

The overall aim of the PhD project is to develop and apply new techniques to study biomolecular assemblies (especially proteins) based primarily on single molecule native mass spectrometry (for example, charge detection mass spectrometry). For this, the candidate will have full access to new, cutting-edge MS instrumentation housed in the group. The developed methods will be used to investigate several biomolecular systems of therapeutic interest, such as antibodies and protein-based vaccines. The PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Assistant Professor Victor Yin within the Protein Analysis Group. The PhD fellowship is part of a larger project funded through a grant from the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant, acronym: DeMIST).

Principal supervisor

Tenure‑track Assistant Professor Victor Yin, Department of Pharmacy, victor.yin@sund.ku.dk, mobile: +45 55236319.

Start

1 January 2027 (or after agreement)

Duration

3 years as a PhD student

Job Description

Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

PhD Programme Description

The PhD programme is a three-year full-time research education within the framework of the 5+3 scheme, intended for candidates holding a relevant academic degree within the project’s subject area (e.g., chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or pharmaceutical science).

Qualifications

If you have completed your academic education in Denmark, the admission to the PhD programme requires a relevant Master’s degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc).

If you have an academic education from abroad, you must have either a degree equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ETCS + 120 ECTS MSc), or at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) and be academically qualified at master's level.

As part of the assessment of whether you meet the educational requirements, you must also achieve a positive academic evaluation and be assessed as the best qualified for the position.

Other Important Criteria Are

• A strong interest in analytical/physical chemistry of proteins/other biomolecules, and analytical instrumentation/techniques
• Motivation to work on fundamental questions with clear societal relevance
• An analytical mindset ready to tackle challenges
• Prior experience in (native) mass spectrometry, basic programming, and/or Fourier analysis will be considered a bonus
• The grade point average achieved
• Language skills
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Other professional activities

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment for mass spectrometry and protein analytical chemistry.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial