Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from August 2025 or later.
Title:
Molecular aspects of Parkinson’s Disease
Research area and project description:
The project involves work with antibodies, small molecules and peptides that target the cytotoxic oligomer of α-synuclein involved in Parkinson’s Disease. This is part of a vibrant multidisciplinary network collaboration NanoPANS (Functionalized Nanocarriers sending anti-PArkinson’s Disease drugs to the Nervous System) headed by Prof. Daniel Otzen, AU, and including four collaborators from University of Copenhagen: Assoc. Prof. Céline Galvagnion, Prof. Nikos Hatzakis, Prof. Martin Lauritzen and Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Kucharz. Work includes purification and biophysical analysis of monoclonal antibodies, biophysics of α-synuclein aggregation and biophysical and cellular assays to screen α-synuclein interactions with antibodies, liposomes and other molecules. Work will mainly be carried out in Daniel Otzen’s group at iNANO, but you will interact on a regular basis (including visits at University of Copenhagen of different lengths) with our NanoPANS experts within stem cells, liposome single-particle microscopy and 2-photon microscopy for blood-brain-barrier transport imaging. More information can be found in a brief overview of NanoPANS’ strategies here and Daniel Otzen’s original antibody article here.
The project provides an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many collaborators within different disciplines and a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in experimental protein science. Applicants with one year of MSc studies at AU wishing to pursue a 4+4 PhD degree (Aarhus model) are also welcome to apply. It is an added advantage to have experience in biophysical and/or cellular techniques in protein aggregation and/or neurodegenerative diseases.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Gustav Wieds vej 114, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~100 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5 year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (www.inanoschool.au.dk) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Daniel Otzen, dao@inano.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2025)
Please note:
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.
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. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
