Mette M. Rosenkilde

The Laboratory for Molecular and Translational Pharmacology (MolPharm) at the Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship focused on the characterization of viral membrane proteins. This three-year position begins on 15 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, offering an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, international research environment within the Rosenkilde Group, part of the Department of Biomedical Sciences. MolPharm investigates how membrane proteins translate structural features into functional outcomes, with a longstanding emphasis on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and virus-encoded ion channels (viroporins). The group combines molecular pharmacology, structural biology, computation, and quantitative biophysics, leveraging state-of-the-art biophysical assays and site-directed approaches to identify and characterize novel modulators of GPCRs and viral ion channels. The PhD project will address fundamental questions regarding the structure, oligomerization, and pore-forming or ion-channel function of viroporins—a diverse family of small viral membrane proteins essential for viral life cycle and pathogenesis. The research aims to define the molecular principles governing viroporin assembly, map intra- and intersubunit contacts, and study pore function, ion selectivity, and druggability via modulation by small-molecule inhibitors. High-throughput pipelines for heterologous expression, purification, and reconstitution of viral membrane proteins will be established, and druggability will be assessed using a fluorescence-based screening platform in human cell lines. The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree or equivalent in biochemistry, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular biomedicine, or a related field, with basic theoretical and practical knowledge of protein science, cell biology, and pharmacology. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Additional merits include experience with molecular pharmacological characterization of membrane proteins in eukaryotic cells (such as GPCRs or ion channels), protein chemistry approaches (recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical and biophysical characterization), and advanced microscopy methods. Selection is based on completion of relevant qualifications, grades, suitability of courses, and previous research experience in membrane protein structure and function. The Rosenkilde Group offers creative and stimulating working conditions, access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities for receptor characterization, ligand screening, and functional assays, and a collaborative environment with broad expertise in protein engineering, mutagenesis, signaling analyses, and biophysical characterization. The group forms an integral part of the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology research division, bringing together scientists with shared interests in membrane proteins, GPCR biology, viroporins, ion channels, transporters, ligand recognition, receptor activation and desensitization, allosteric modulation, and oligomerization. As a PhD fellow at SUND, your key tasks will include carrying out an independent research project under supervision, completing PhD courses (approximately 30 ECTS points), participating in an active research environment (including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad), writing scientific papers for high-impact journals, gaining teaching or dissemination experience, and writing a PhD thesis based on your project. Terms of employment include a fixed-term contract for three years, with an average weekly working time of 37 hours. The position is conditioned upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Salary starts at approximately 31,200 DKK per month (about 4,170 EUR), plus 18.07% pension, in accordance with Danish regulations. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure. To apply, submit your application electronically via the provided link, including a motivated letter, CV, certified diploma and transcript, and publication list (if possible) in PDF format. The application deadline is 13 May 2026, 23:59 CET. For further information about the recruitment process, visit the University of Copenhagen employment site. The University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, and seeks to reflect the diversity of society. Principal supervisor: Professor Mette M. Rosenkilde ( [email protected] ). For more information about the Rosenkilde Group, visit their academic page .