Are you interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases using cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy and single-vesicle imaging? Do you want to contribute to uncovering how protein aggregation and membrane interactions drive the development of Parkinson's disease? Then the Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University invites you to apply for a postdoctoral position within the ERC Starting Grant-funded project SPARTA.
We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher to join our research group at the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced single-molecule and single-vesicle imaging approaches to investigate the dynamic interactions between α-synuclein oligomers and biological membranes, aiming to uncover fundamental mechanisms of neurodegeneration and contribute to the development of novel strategies for early disease detection.
This is a fixed-term 2-year position starting on 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The successful candidate will join the ERC Starting Grant-funded project SPARTA, aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms of α-synuclein aggregation and membrane interactions in Parkinson’s disease.
The position will primarily involve:
- Investigating α-synuclein aggregation and interactions with lipid membranes.
- Developing and applying advanced single-molecule and single-vesicle fluorescence microscopy.
- Exploring how membrane composition and properties influence protein aggregation and membrane disruption.
- Performing quantitative image analysis and computational data analysis.
- Developing novel single-vesicle assays for studying neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
The research will be conducted in an interdisciplinary environment at the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, in collaboration with researchers in biophysics, molecular biology, and neuroscience.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in experimental biophysics and quantitative fluorescence microscopy.
The ideal candidate should have:
- A PhD in nanoscience, biophysics, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Experience with single-molecule or single-vesicle fluorescence microscopy, preferably TIRF microscopy.
- Experience with lipid membranes, liposomes, or protein–membrane interactions.
- Strong skills in quantitative image analysis and data processing, preferably using Python.
- Experience in scientific publishing and communicating research findings.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
- Experience with α-synuclein, protein aggregation, or neurodegenerative diseases is an advantage but not a requirement.
We value scientific curiosity, creativity, independence, and a collaborative mindset.
Who we are
The Department of Chemistry at Aarhus University offers an international and interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and strong collaborations.
The successful candidate will join the research group led by Assistant Professor Mette Galsgaard Malle, focusing on single-molecule and single-vesicle imaging to understand molecular interactions and disease mechanisms.
Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is the Department of Chemistry, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Assistant Professor Mette Galsgaard Malle, malle@inano.au.dk.
Deadline
All applications must be received no later than 2 December 2026.
Application procedure
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.
Formalities and salary range
Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
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.
Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.
Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.
Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.
About Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment for its 37,500 students, including PhD students, and has 9,000 employees (full-time equivalents) and an annual revenue of EUR 1.2 billion. Learn more at international.au.dk
