The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), Copenhagen Center for Glycocalyx Research (CGR) at the University of Copenhagen invites applications from motivated and enthusiastic researchers for a part-time (23 hours/week) Postdoctoral position in Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Proteomics. The position is for a fixed term of two years, commencing on January 1, 2027.
Job Overview Table
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Research Area | Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Spatial Proteomics, Phosphoproteomics, Cancer Diagnostics |
| Working Hours | Part-time (23 hours per week) |
| Contract Duration | Fixed-term (2 years) |
| Starting Date | January 1, 2027 (or by agreement) |
| Location | Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Panum / Mærsk Tower, University of Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026, 23:59 CET |
Summary
The successful postdoc candidate will join the Olsen Group within the Danish National Research Foundation Center for Glycocalyx Research (CGR) at the University of Copenhagen. The project focuses on developing and applying mass spectrometry-based spatial proteomics and phosphoproteomics workflows to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) clinical samples for translational cancer diagnostics. The researcher will also contribute to major collaborative projects, such as the ERC-Synergy project ‘ADIPOHealth’ or the NNF Laureate research grant on single-cell proteomics.
Research Area & Scientific Environment
The Olsen Group focuses on quantitative, high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics to decipher cell signaling networks mediated by phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications (PTMs). Research facilities at the modern Mærsk Tower offer access to cutting-edge technology platforms including Orbitrap Astral tandem mass spectrometers, next-generation sequencing, and flow cytometry.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The postdoc will join a multidisciplinary research team focusing on proteomics sample preparation, peptide separation, MS acquisition methods, and computational proteomics strategies. Core responsibilities include:
- Developing efficient, scalable workflows for the analysis of plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from large clinical cohorts.
- Integrating sample preparation protocols with ultra-sensitive narrow-window data-independent acquisition (nDIA)-MS on the Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer.
- Establishing streamlined micro-FFPE sample preparation and phosphopeptide enrichment workflows for laser-capture microdissection (LMD) in high-throughput 384-well formats.
- Combining whole-slide imaging, LMD, and ultra-sensitive nDIA-MS to produce quantitative spatial phosphoproteomics data for translational cancer research.
- Conducting advanced bioinformatics and statistical analyses of large-scale proteomic cohorts.
- Supporting and contributing to ongoing research initiatives within the research group.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Essential Requirements:
- A PhD degree in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field (or an official statement from your supervisor confirming completion before the start date).
- Documented publication record (as first author or co-author) in spatial proteomics, phosphoproteomics, or plasma/EV proteomics.
- Hands-on experience processing and analyzing large proteomics cohorts, including quality control, experimental design, batch correction, and statistical analysis.
- High-level expertise in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, with special emphasis on spatial proteomics of FFPE clinical tissues.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA/nDIA) workflows and optimization of high-sensitivity acquisition parameters.
- Strong bioinformatics skills for analyzing large-scale and spatial proteomics datasets.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency, with strong collaborative and communication skills.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Practical experience operating Orbitrap Astral Zoom MS, Vanquish NEO LC, or Evosep One/ENO LC systems.
- Proven track record in data visualization and computational pipeline presentation.
- Prior experience or demonstrated interest in co-supervising student projects in MS-based proteomics.
Remuneration & Working Conditions
Employment terms, salary, and pension are regulated by the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The monthly starting salary is currently 26,170 DKK (approx. 3,500 EUR, August 2026 level) for 23 hours per week, with an additional 18.07% employer pension contribution. International applicants may be eligible for favorable tax conditions under the Danish researcher tax scheme.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online in English through the University of Copenhagen job portal. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format:
- Motivated Letter of Application: Explaining your background, research interests, and motivation (maximum one page).
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed CV including education, research experience, technical skills, and references.
- Academic Certificates: Certified copies of your Master of Science and PhD degree certificates (or supervisor’s statement).
- List of Publications: Complete bibliographic list highlighting your relevant contributions.
For scientific inquiries, please contact Professor Jesper Velgaard Olsen at jesper.olsen@cpr.ku.dk.
Last Date for Apply
October 15, 2026 (23:59 CET). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Click Here to Apply Online via Official University Portal
