Postdoc in Computational Peptide Design for Metabolic GPCRs

Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen; Center (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher focused on computational peptide design, starting November 15, 2026. This role involves developing advanced computational pipelines, targeting metabolic GPCRs like neuropeptide Y.

Candidates should have a PhD in computational chemistry or a related field and strong programming skills, particularly in Python. A collaborative spirit is essential for translating computational designs into functional peptides. Full-time engagement for two years with potential salary negotiations based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute independent computational research projects.
• Published research in computational chemistry or structural biology.
• Experience with AI-based structure prediction methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational strategies for peptide design.
• Collaborate with experimental researchers to validate designs.
• Identify receptor targets for bioactive peptides.

Skills

Strong programming skills (e.g., Python)

Communication skills in English

Understanding of protein-peptide interactions

Education

PhD in computational chemistry, structural biology, or a related field

Tools

Rosetta

GPU/HPC environments

Job description

Postdoc in Computational Peptide Design for Metabolic GPCRs

The University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a Postdoctoral fellow to commence on November 15, 2026, or as agreed, within the Computational Chemistry Unit at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR).

The fellowship is part of the CBMR International PhD & Postdoc Program.

Job Description

As a Postdoctoral researcher, you will develop, implement, and apply state‑of‑the‑art computational strategies for structure‑based peptide design, leveraging AI‑based structure prediction, co‑folding methods (e.g., AlphaFold‑class), molecular modeling software such as Rosetta, and GPU‑accelerated computing. You will build robust, scalable computational pipelines and drive the project scientifically and technically.

You will use these approaches to design peptide ligands targeting metabolic GPCRs, focusing on the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and MCH receptor families, integrating peptide design, structural filtering, and refinement. You will work closely with experimental collaborators to translate designs into functional ligands through synthesis, pharmacology, and in‑vivo validation.

In parallel, you will extend the framework to identify receptor targets for bioactive peptides and generalize it to new systems.

Profile

The fellowship targets early‑career researchers with a basic science background or clinicians aspiring to academic medicine. We are particularly interested in candidates familiar with integrative research approaches within cardiometabolic research applied to human pathophysiology.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in computational chemistry, structural biology, computer science, or a related field
• Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to design and execute independent computational research projects
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python) and documented experience building robust pipelines in GPU/HPC environments
• Solid understanding of protein‑peptide interactions, structural interpretation, and physics‑based evaluation of predicted complexes
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral

Deep Expertise (and interest in learning the others)

• Structure‑based modelling of proteins and peptides and developing integrated modelling workflows (docking, conformational sampling, design, and refinement)
• AI‑based structure prediction and co‑folding methods for peptide‑receptor modelling (e.g., AlphaFold‑class, Boltz/Chai‑class)
• Rosetta‑based or comparable frameworks for peptide modelling and design

Preferred Qualifications

• GPCR structure‑based design, especially peptide‑receptor systems
• Advanced peptide design, including cyclic, constrained, or non‑canonical amino acids
• Peptide‑receptor co‑folding and interface modelling beyond standard workflows
• Physics‑based refinement of peptide‑complexes (e.g., molecular dynamics simulations)
• Integration of computational design with experimental data (pharmacology, mutagenesis, structural biology)

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to applicants with a PhD awarded from a university outside Denmark, or with a Danish PhD and at least 12 months of full‑time research experience outside Denmark during or after the PhD. The PhD must be obtained before November 15, 2026. Applicants who have held a post‑doctoral position at the University of Copenhagen for more than one year prior to the fellowship’s commencement are ineligible.

Terms of Employment

Full‑time position for two years. Starting date: November 15, 2026, or as agreed.

Salary, pension and terms of employment will follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). A salary supplement may be negotiated based on qualifications.

Non‑Danish and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD and have not lived in Denmark for the last ten years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Application Deadline

August 10, 2026, 23:59 CET.