About this role
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 ( https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101219936 ) 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 tissues. Following 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 vivo tissue 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 to Medical 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 B.Sc ./ M.Sc ./Ph.D. student supervision, teaching and collaborative projects. Essential qualifications M.Sc . 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 duration. For 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, including initiation 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