Postdoc in AI-Designed GPCR Inhibitors for Migraine Therapeutics - DTU Bioengineering

Migraine affects over 15% of the global population and remains inadequately treated despite advances such as CGRP-targeting antibodies. Attacks involve severe head pain with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, contributing substantially to global disability.

We are launching a translational project combining generative AI-driven protein design with experimental and clinical validation. We aim to develop recombinant minibinders targeting GPCRs implicated in migraine, including receptors for adrenomedullin, amylin, and PACAP.

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with strong wet-lab expertise to lead the biochemical and cellular validation of these computationally designed inhibitors.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You will play a central role in translating computational protein designs into validated therapeutic candidates. Your responsibilities will include:

• De novo design of minibinders
• Recombinant expression and purification of AI-designed minibinders (miBds)
• Biochemical and biophysical characterization (e.g., binding assays, stability profiling)
• Cell-based GPCR signalling assays
• Functional validation in relevant in vitro systems
• Supporting in vivo pharmacological validation in rodent migraine models
• Close collaboration with computational protein engineers and clinical researchers
• Data analysis, manuscript preparation, and supervision of students where relevant

The position is hybrid, but primarily laboratory-based. A strong experimental profile is essential.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, protein engineering, or related field
• Has strong hands-on experience in recombinant protein expression and purification
• Has documented experience with GPCR pharmacology or receptor signalling assays
• Has experience with advanced biochemical methods (e.g., SPR, BLI, ELISA, fluorescence-based assays)
• Has experience with yeast display
• Has strong documentation of peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams 

It will be considered an advantage if you have:

• Experience with computational protein design collaborations
• Experience with in vivo pharmacology
• Experience working in translational or industry-oriented research environments

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. 

Starting date is 1 May 2026, or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins (tpaje@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 17 March 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.