Deadline: 2026-04-19
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Type: Postdoc
The laboratory of Poul Nissen at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, is inviting applications for a fully-funded postdoc position for 2 years, with a possible extension, to work on cryo-electron tomography studies of regulatory synapses at the axon initial segment of neurons.
The project aims at determining in situ structures of axo-axonic synapses at the axon initial segment (AIS) of neurons through cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and obtaining new insights into the ultrastructural organization and mechanism of AIS, a critical neuronal compartment in formation and regulation of action potentials. Based on prior work in the laboratory, a full pipeline of procedures is established and ample microscope time, generous resources, highly skilled support staff and thriving research communities are available to the project.
Both primary neuronal cultures and brain tissue samples will be used. Targeted identification will be achieved by e.g. cryo-immunofluorescence (cryo-CLEM) and immunogold. Cryogenic focused ion beam milling methods will be used to prepare lamella samples for high resolution cryo-EM imaging and tomography.
From AI assisted image analysis, 3D models for key proteins and biomolecular complexes will be fitted into 3D reconstructions. Specific complexes will be approached by sub-tomogram averaging and single-particle analysis when relevant.
See more details regarding the position in the full job call.
The starting date is 1st September 2026, or as soon as possible.