Postdoc position within antibody production and engineering for therapy in Parkinson’s Disease job with Aarhus University (AU)
Aarhus University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position within Professor Daniel Otzen’s research group at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO). The successful applicant will focus on engineering antibodies to target α-synuclein aggregates, a key component in the development of therapies for Parkinson’s Disease. The appointment is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Did You Know? The research is part of the DESYNA project, which currently includes a postdoctoral aggregation specialist and a PhD microscopy expert who will work directly with the new hire.
Research and Collaboration
The project sits at the intersection of fundamental and translational science, requiring the researcher to balance academic inquiry with industrial application. According to the project description, the work involves close collaboration with Dr. Simon Glerup, Chief Scientific Officer at Draupnir Bio ApS, and Associate Professor Nathalie Van Den Berge from the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University. The team also coordinates with the NanoPANS research project to complement existing studies on Parkinson’s Disease.
Application and Selection Process
Candidates must submit their applications through the university’s online recruitment system no later than July 7, 2026. The university employs a shortlisting process where the head of department, assisted by an assessment committee, selects candidates for further evaluation. Applicants are required to provide a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a list of publications, and a statement of future research plans. The university notes that it will account for periods of leave when evaluating scientific productivity.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of industrial partners like Draupnir Bio ApS suggests a deliberate effort to move laboratory-stage antibody engineering toward clinical viability. For a postdoctoral researcher, this environment offers a rare opportunity to see fundamental protein aggregation research tested against the practical requirements of drug development.
What May Happen Next
Once the position is filled in late 2026, the new researcher is expected to integrate into the existing DESYNA project structure immediately. As the team works to optimize target engagement for α-synuclein-focused antibodies, their findings could contribute to the broader pipeline of Parkinson’s therapeutics. The collaborative nature of the project suggests that future developments will likely be shared across both the academic departments at Aarhus University and the industrial partners involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are required for this position?
Applicants must hold a PhD in antibody expression, production, or engineering. While not required, experience with protein aggregation is considered an advantage.
Where will the work be performed?
The position is based at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in the iNANO building, located at Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
How is the salary determined?
Salary is based on seniority and is established through an agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.
Are you interested in how interdisciplinary teams bridge the gap between academic protein research and clinical therapeutic development?