Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Physics
Institute:
Aarhus University
Country:
Denmark
Research Field:
physics, chemistry, biology, ultrafast spectroscopy
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Mar 09, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
May 01, 2026
Postdoc position in Structural Spectroscopy of Amyloid Aggregates
Project Description:
- SurfLab at Aarhus University seeks to hire a postdoc to explore protein misfolding and structural heterogeneity in complex biological samples using 2D-infrared spectroscopy.
- A postdoc in our team will investigate the structural complexity of protein aggregates using advanced ultrafast spectroscopies. Jointly, the Clinical Neuroanatomy and Biobanking (CNAB) at Amsterdam UMC and Surflab at Aarhus University have recently developed new approaches combining two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy and biomedical sampling techniques to probe protein structure in complex biological and medical environments. This opens up opportunities to tackle fundamental questions such as: (1) Can subtle structural differences between aggregates and disease stages and type be resolved spectroscopically? And (2) What molecular signatures correlate with neuropathology?
- Answers to these questions will contribute to our understanding of protein misfolding and aggregation in biomedically relevant settings, with implications for early diagnostics and, in the future, possible disease prevention.
- Researchers in our group benefit from state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems and a vibrant interdisciplinary community at Aarhus University, including collaborators in biophysics, neurodegeneration, spectroscopy, and computational modeling. You would join a dynamic research environment with an emphasis on international collaboration.
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Applicants across the disciplines of physics, chemistry and biology are considered for this position.
- Outside of having a strong motivation to work on ultrafast spectroscopy, postdoctoral fellows should have an interest in working on biomedical problems.
Preferred Qualification:
Not Available
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The starting date is May 1, 2026 and the duration of the employment will be 24 months.
Benefits:
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment
- an exciting interdisciplinary environment with many national, international and industrial collaborators
- a research climate encouraging lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research
- a work environment with close working relationships, networking and social activities
- a workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- 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.
- If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.
- If you wish to add a referee after you have submitted your application, you must send this person’s details (name, job title, place of work, and email address) as well as the name of the position you have applied for to: HR.Nattech@au.dk
How to apply:
- 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.
- Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1928, Aarhus University (AU) is a prestigious public research institution located in Denmark, consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide. As Denmark's second-oldest university, it has grown into a diverse, international, and research-intensive, with around 38,000 students, including a significant international population. The university is organized into five main faculties: Arts, Business and Social Sciences (Aarhus BSS), Health, Natural Sciences, and Technical Sciences. AU is renowned for its high-quality research and offers over 50 study programs in English at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, as well as English-taught PhD programs.
- The university’s main campus is recognized for its unique, historic yellow-brick architecture located in the scenic University Park in central Aarhus. Known for its collaborative and informal Scandinavian teaching style, AU encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies. It is a hub for innovation, often collaborating with stakeholders, and is home to multiple research centers, including 15 funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. Notable alumni include Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and the university is affiliated with several Nobel laureates. With excellent facilities and a vibrant student life—including specialized international centers and a high-ranking business school with triple-crown accreditation—Aarhus University offers a comprehensive, top-tier academic experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?
Postdoctoral positions are open to candidates who have completed a PhD or will complete their doctoral degree before the start date. Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the funding scheme and host institution.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most postdoctoral positions are open to international applicants. Visa sponsorship and work permit support are usually provided by the host institution, subject to local regulations.
Is prior postdoctoral experience required?
In most cases, prior postdoctoral experience is not mandatory. However, candidates with relevant research experience beyond the PhD may be preferred for certain positions.
What is the typical duration of a postdoctoral contract?
Postdoctoral contracts typically range from six months to three years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance.
Are teaching responsibilities included?
Teaching responsibilities vary by institution and position. Some postdoctoral roles are research-only, while others may include limited teaching or supervision duties.
Can I apply for multiple postdoctoral positions?
Yes. Candidates are encouraged to apply for multiple suitable postdoctoral positions to increase their chances of selection.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.