Postdoc Position in Immunomodulatory self-assembling peptide-based biomaterials

The Biotechnology section at the Department of Green Technology Faculty of Engineering University of Southern Denmark invites applications for one Postdoc position in immunomodulatory biomaterials starting 1/9/2026 (or as soon as possible afterwards according to mutual agreement). The position is embedded within an ERC Starting Grant project DeCodeGels focused on De-Coding Adhesion Degradation and Immunomodulation Properties of Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for Programmed Tendon Regeneration ( and is for one year with the possibility of extension. At University of Southern Denmark a postdoc position can last a maximum of 4 years.

Project description

This project aims to develop new injectable self-assembling peptides (SAPs) biomaterials that simultaneously: i) possess improved adhesion to local tissues in vivo ii) exhibit controlled degradation matching the desired regeneration outcome and iii) allow tissue regeneration by enabling controlled immune cells invasion and progression of inflammation from neighbouring injury inflammation is the trigger of tissue repair however chronic inflammation is detrimental. The persistent inflammatory nature of tendinopathy contributes to localized tissue damage often developing to a low-grade chronic inflammation with recurring tears. The main goal of this position is development of an innovative therapeutic strategy utilizing temporally modulating SAPs biomaterials to guide healthy regeneration of tendon tissues via modulation of macrophage response.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of:

• Innate immunity with a strong focus on understanding biology of macrophage cells
• Physical chemistry and biomedical engineering of self-assembling peptide biomaterials
• Functional validation in in vitro stromal cells (tenocytes fibroblasts) in lab-on-chip devices and in ex vivotissue models

And will be expected to engage in research in fields falling within or in strong synergy with one or more of the following research areas at BIOTECH related toMedical Biotechnology:

• Medical biotechnology including immune cells engineering
• Tissue scaffold engineering and characterization
• Super resolution microscopy and imaging spectroscopy and imaging techniques such as Raman FTIR NIR UV/Vis and image correlation spectroscopy is utilized in current research
• Multi-omics analyses (transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics)
• Analytical chemistry
• Other closely related fields

Responsibilities

• Design evaluate and characterize new injectable self-assembling peptide biomaterials
• Investigate biological pathways of macrophage polarization via functional assays (PCR ELISAs flow cytometry) as well as guiding omics analyses (transcriptomics proteomics and/or metabolomics)
• Evaluate enzymatic degradation pathways of peptides and the biological role of their fragments in immune signalling (including mass spectrometry and functional assays)
• Utilize advanced imaging techniques to analyse peptide-macrophage interactions (light and/or electron based)
• Contributing to ././Ph.D. student supervision teaching and collaborative projects.

Essential qualifications

• . and Ph.D. degrees in immunology molecular biology biotechnology biochemistry nanotechnology biomedicine physical chemistry or related fields
• Familiarity with characterization of mammalian cells (e.g. confocal microscopy staining ELISAs flow cytometry PCR among others)
• Evidenced experience with immune cells culture and their characterization (with at least 1 key achievement (e.g. publication thesis or a patent demonstrating this experience)
• Experience with physical chemistry lab
• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)
• Highly motivated structured and able to work both independently and in teams
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience within immunology or biology fields and who hold interest in using therapeutic biomaterials or peptides

Desirable qualifications (strong advantage)

• Hands-on experience with designing or characterization of self-assembling peptides or proteins
• Experience with omics analysis (transcriptomics proteomics metabolomics or otherwise)
• Familiarity with biomaterials characterization (e.g. formulation of hydrogels rheology titrations HPLC mass spectroscopy scattering techniques transmission electron microscopy mechanical testing molecular adhesion testing or similar)
• Experience in bioinformatics and biological data/pathways analysis
• An experience or willingness to participate in in vivo rodent studies would be advantageous for the extended 4-year position this experience with handling rodent studies histology or other related techniques will be beneficial and hugely advantageous

What we offer

• A one-year position as postdoc with possibility of extension (note that the maximum time permitted as postdoc at a single Danish University is 4 years)
• PI support in additional activities includinginitiation to obtain funding for competitive research activities internally or externally (e.g. MSCA-IF EMBO or other fellowships) as well as in further career guidance
• Participation in teaching and dissemination activities (e.g. conferences) across the length of the contract
• Multiple possibilities for research stays will be offered at collaborators both within Europe and globally including Portugal France Switzerland Croatia United Arab Emirates among others
• An engaged collaborative and internationally recognized research section. We are dedicated to fostering a good work environment where researchers work is supported so they are inspired and thrive
• Co-decision making and co-determination: the department fosters a large degree of flexibility in decision making processes and values input from our faculty and postdocs
• We offer an engaged and supportive research environment at a high international level.
• IGT is an inclusive work environment where we focus on well-being and good relations among our faculty and students
• State of the art equipment and laboratories
• 6 weeks of vacation
• A good work life balance

Further information is available from Associate Professor Jacek Wychowaniec temporary email address: or head of section Associate Professor Eva Arnspang Christensen e-mail: .

If you experience technical problems please contact our email support.

Application

Applicants are advised to read the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of the candidates is based on the application material and the application must include:

• Motivated application.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Masters and Bachelors degree certificates or equivalent including transcripts of grades(original and an official English translation).
• References may be included youre welcome to use the form for reference letter at theFaculty website.
• Summary and documentation of experience in teaching if relevant to the position.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.