Postdoc in Protein Design for Sperm and Oocyte Targeting DTU Bioengineering

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Digital Biotechnology Lab at the Center for Translational Protein Design (DTU Bioengineering) as part of a newly funded project under the Novo Nordisk Foundation Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy programme.

The project focuses on the design and experimental validation of de novo proteins that target sperm and oocyte structures involved in fertilization with the long-term aim of enabling novel non-hormonal contraceptive strategies. The work is highly interdisciplinary and combines protein design with physiologically relevant reproductive biology assays.

You will be part of a close collaboration between DTU Bioengineering Lund University and University of Copenhagen / Herlev Hospital combining expertise in protein design biochemistry and reproductive biology.

The position is experimentally focused with protein design forming an integrated but secondary component of the work.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main tasks will include:

• Expression purification and biochemical characterisation of de novo designed proteins
• Performing binding stability and activity assays relevant to sperm and oocyte biology
• Functional assays involving sperm motility acrosome status spermzona interactions and related fertilisation readouts
• Iterative optimisation of protein designs based on experimental performance
• Collaboration with computational protein design partners and clinical reproductive biology collaborators
• Supervision of MSc and BSc students and contribution to publications

You must have:

• A PhD degree in reproductive biology developmental biology biochemistry protein design biotechnology or a related field
• Hands-on experience working with sperm oocytes or fertilization-related biological systems
• Strong wet-lab skills in protein handling and functional biological assays
• Ability to work independently and drive experimental projects

It is an advantage if you have experience with:

• Proteinprotein interaction assays (e.g. BLI SPR or similar)
• Zona pellucida or sperm binding assays
• CASA or other sperm functional analysis tools
• Applying recombinant or designed proteins in complex biological environments
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between computational and experimental teams

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.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Timothy P. Jenkins

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at

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Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 6 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 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 UNs 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 13500 students and 6000 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.