Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Institute:
Aarhus University
Country:
Denmark
Research Field:
molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, biotechnology, nanoscience
Posted Date:
Apr 11, 2026
Deadline:
Jun 07, 2026
Offer Period:
2 Years
Offer Start Date:
Oct 01, 2026
Postdoc positions in catalytic RNA evolution and structural biology
Project Description:
- Questions of how Darwinian evolution started are addressable with modern biochemistry. Applicants are invited for a 2-year postdoc position in the field of RNA synthetic biology at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Denmark. The project, termed Circles of Life (COL), explores the structural basis of natural and synthetic catalytic RNA complexes focusing on circular RNAs and their potential role at the origins of life. COL is funded by the Villum Foundation.
- The Kristoffersen-lab (Kristoffersen-lab.dk) is a new research group at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University seeking to understand RNAs role in the onset of Darwinian evolution. The lab takes inspiration from simple natural replicons for engineering RNA systems that can restart replication [1-2].
- The newly funded Circles of Life (COL) project focuses on a combined design and evolution strategy to produce and investigate natural and synthetic RNA complexes with advanced properties, primarily concerning circular RNAs. The postdoc project will be involved in all aspects of COL but focuses primarily on visualizing and structural characterizing catalytic RNA complexes.
The project includes the following tasks:
- In vitro evolution and de novo design of RNAs,
- Biophysical characterization using single (sm) molecule fluorescence and other techniques, such as smFRET.
- Structural biology using electron microscopy, such as cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and tomography (cryo-ET).
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- We are looking for a highly creative, collaborative and experimentally skilled candidate with (or close to finishing) a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, biotechnology, nanoscience or similar.
- The successful candidate should have excellent skills in spoken and written English and be able to present a good track-record of scientific work. The project will involve experimental and computational work, and the candidate is expected to be comfortable with working independently with both.
- Practical experience with structural biology is required
Preferred Qualification:
- In vitro transcription and purification of RNA,
- Recombinant protein expression and purification,
- biochemical and biophysical characterization of nucleic acids
- Computational model building and structure prediction
- Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques
- Experience in cryo-EM structural biology of nucleic acids.
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The position is for 2 years.
- The starting date of the project is 01st October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Benefits:
- The department offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with many industrial, national and international collaborators. The city of Aarhus is the second largest in Denmark located on the eastern coast of the peninsula of Jutland. Aarhus offers a rich cultural life with its many international students and cultural events. It is easily accessible from major European cities either by train or plane. Furthermore, the workplace offers:
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment including world-class cryo-EM and FACS core facilities.
- 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.
- a well-developed research infrastructure, laboratories and access to shared equipment including world-class cryo-EM and FACS core facilities.
- 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:
Letter of reference
- 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.
- 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).
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.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
The postdoc will be affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG). The day-to-day work will be located at iNANO. iNANO (inano.dk) is a major research and education centre based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 postdocs and ~160 PhD students. The centre combines expertise from the disciplines including physics, chemistry, molecular biology and medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The centre gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including EMBION, the Aarhus university cryo-EM facility and associated scientific computing facility. The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (mbg.au.dk) comprises research within the areas of Plant Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, RNA Biology and Innovation, Protein Science, Cellular Health, Intervention and Nutrition and Synthetic biology. MBG gives access to expertise in a broad range of molecular biology and bioinformatic infrastructure. Together Aarhus University makes a world-class research community with many international postdocs and students from all over the world. Aarhus University offers a wide range of services to support international researchers and their families, including relocation assistance and career counselling for accompanying partners. English is the primary language used for internal communication and teaching, and international candidates are not required to learn Danish. Aarhus is one of the happiest cities in the world according to happy city index.
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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.