PhD fellowship in Computational Biophysics of Disordered Proteins

University of Copenhagen

Tanja Mittag (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) and Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen (University of Copenhagen). The PhD project aims to study the function of disordered proteins by combining coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning and bioinformatics.

The start date is expected to be 15 June, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Details about the project, what we are looking for and how to apply can be found below.

The project

For some background on our work on disordered proteins, see for example two recent reviews (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbi.2025.103028 & https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbi.2025.103210) as well as other publications from the group.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking applicants with a degree in physics, chemistry or biochemistry or similar fields. The candidate should ideally have prior research experience (for example through an MSc project) within one or more of these areas:

• Computational methods to study disordered proteins including for example applying coarse-grained simulation models
• Developing or using machine learning models to study sequences of disordered proteins

The candidate should have a strong quantitative background.

The group is also part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, and you will have the chance to interact with scientists across disciplines. The group is highly international, and a good level of spoken and written English is required.

We are strong proponents of open science.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, who will be the principal supervisor, at lindorff@bio.ku.dk, but all applications must be made via the online system as described below.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The PhD programme

Qualifications needed for the regular programme

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. physics, chemistry or biochemistry. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Good language skills

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Curriculum vitae (max 2. pages) including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
2. A cover letter (max 1. page) motivating why you are interested in this position and why you would be a good fit
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor and Master and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. List of publications including preprints (if relevant). Do not attach the actual publications.

When you will be affiliated with the University of Copenhagen or otherwise have access to their research, you may be required to undergo a background screening. The purpose is to protect the security and research integrity of the University of Copenhagen.

Application deadline: The deadline for applications is Thursday, 26 March 2026, 23:59 GMT +1.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex