Position as postdoc in Biochemical and functional characterization of milk-derived extracellular vesicles

Position as postdoc in Biochemical and functional characterization of milk-derived extracellular vesicles

We are seeking applicants for a postdoc position in ‘’Biochemical and functional characterization of milk-derived extracellular vesicles” to join us at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in the research team of Jan Trige Rasmussen.

Expected start date and duration of employment

The position is available from 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter. Duration of employment is two years.

Job description

We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the interdisciplinary NNF-synergy project MEVIN (Milk Extracellular Vesicles for Preterm Infants). You will contribute to the biochemical and functional characterization of milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a novel supplement for preterm infant nutrition. More specifically you will be involved identification and validation the most promising milk EV fractions for intestinal protection and immune regulation. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the interdisciplinary MEVIN project. You will contribute to the isolation, characterization, and functional analysis of milk EVs, especially from bovine sources, and investigate their RNA cargo, cellular uptake, and intracellular trafficking in recipient cells. The work spans biochemical and molecular characterisation using single-vesicle tracking, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), NanoFlow cytometry, and advanced imaging techniques, as well as bioinformatic analysis of small RNAs and transcriptomic data. You will collaborate closely with partners working on animal models (preterm pigs) and clinical studies, contributing to the translation of milk EV biology into nutritional interventions for preterm infants, as well as preparation of data for high-quality publications and project reports.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong publication record and the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, nanoscience, biotechnology, immunology, or a closely related field.
• Documented hands-on experience with isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles (e.g., size-exclusion chromatography, density-gradient centrifugation, NTA, immunoblotting, or nanoflow cytometry).
• Practical expertise in advanced imaging or single-particle analysis (e.g., cryo-EM/TEM, TIRF microscopy, single-vesicle tracking, confocal microscopy, or high-sensitivity flow cytometry).
• Solid skills in molecular biology and biochemistry and quantitative biomolecular analysis.
• Experience or knowledge related to RNA biology, EV surface engineering (e.g., fusion proteins or ligand display), affinity-based targeting, or cell-uptake assays will be an advantage.
• Excellent English communication skills, ability to work independently and responsibly, and a collaborative mindset in an international research environment.
• Self-driven and capable of independent research planning, while thriving in an international, collaborative, and interdisciplinary team environment.

Who we are

The postdoc will be affiliated to the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University and comprises research within the areas of Plant Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, RNA Biology and Innovation, Protein Science, Cellular Health, Intervention and Nutrition.

There are currently 75 full time scientific staff and 95 PhD students. The department is responsible for two educations: Molecular Biology and Molecular Medicine with a yearly uptake of 160 students in total.

Please refer to http://mbg.au.dk/ for further information about The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and to https://nat.au.dk/ and http://www.au.dk/ for information on Faculty of Natural Sciences and Aarhus University, respectively.

Place of work and area of employment

The place of work is at departmental locations, Universitetsbyen 81/ 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 Senior researcher Jan Trige Rasmussen., +45 87 16 89 98, jatr@mbg.au.dk

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 25 September 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.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU.

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.