Postdoctoral position in RNA evolution and nanotechnology

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University invites applications for a 1-year and a half postdoc position. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a research project focused on developing nucleic acid-based artificial systems for precise biomolecular targeting.

The position is available from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.
 

Expected start date and duration of employment

This is a year and a half position from 1 October 2026 or as soon possible thereafter, ending 31 March 2028.
 

Job description

Our group, the Valero Lab, is passionate about nucleic acids (DNA, RNA and XNA). We focus on a unique angle that combines cutting edge nanotechnology tools, nucleic acid chemistry and in vitro evolution techniques to develop novel nucleic acid systems that display a wide variety of functionalities.

The focus of this postdoc position is to develop novel methods for the in vitro selection of chemically modified RNAs and to design interlocked nucleic acid nanostructures for biomolecular targeting.

The successful candidate will primarily work on:

• Chemical modification of RNA (Bioconjugation, HPLC purification, RNA incorporation validation)
• Selection and characterization of RNA aptamers 
• Design and synthesis of interlocked nucleic acid nanostructures.
• Functional validation of selected RNA molecules and application in biophysical, microscopy and cellular assays
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

The candidate is expected to work close with research group members as well as with national and international collaborators
 

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in nanoscience/molecular biology/ biochemistry/ bioengineering or a related field.

Essential qualifications:

• Documented experience with in vitro selection techniques
• Experience with nucleic acid synthesis
• Experience with synthetic RNA modifications 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, as well as great science communication skills
• Experience in supervising students

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with next generation sequencing and data analysis
• Experience with aptamers and assay development
• Curiosity-driven interest in RNA nanotechnology and design of nucleic acid nanostructures

Applicants should be highly motivated, scientifically ambitious, and able to take initiative and responsibility within the research environment.

Who we are

iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~100 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world-class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
 
The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5-year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (https://phd.nat.au.dk/programmes/nanoscience/) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships.

In the Valero lab, we offer a dynamic, social and interdisciplinary scientific environment with a strong focus on nucleic acid chemistry, RNA technologies, biomedicine, and catalysis. Our team thrives in a collaborative atmosphere, working closely with leading scientists in biomedicine, virology, and synthetic biology at Aarhus University and within our international network.
 

What we offer 

The successful applicant is offered:

• Access to a well-equipped research infrastructure and collaborative access to state-of-the-art core facilities.
• A scientific environment inviting open and critical thinking within and across interdisciplinary research fields, also fostering collaboration with academia and industrial partners.
• A working environment with teamwork, network activities among young scientists across different faculties at Aarhus University and social activities.
• A workplace characterised by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
   

Place of work and area of employment 

The place of work is the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C.
 

Contact information

Further information about the position may be obtained from Assistant Prof. Julián Valero [email protected]. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact for further details about the position.
 

Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 31 July 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 depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

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. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.
 
Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

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.