Assistant Professor in malaria epitope-based vaccinology at Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor to join the EPITOPE team at CMP (https://cmp.ku.dk/research/teamepitope ) for 26 months to commence on the 27 October 2022.

Information on the department can be found at: https://cmp.ku.dk/

Our research
The research in the EPITOPE team is centred on malaria blood stage infection, with a specific focus on the biology of monoclonal antibodies recognising relevant malaria antigens involved in parasite invasion of red blood cells and in complement evasion.  In particular for this position, we aim to develop protective antibodies against essential P. falciparum antigens and to identify epitope mimics that will guide the design of multivalent epitope-based malaria vaccine candidates. The current research is an interdisciplinary project that will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers at University of Oxford, The Sanger Institute in Cambridge as well as University of Ghana. Our team consists of international researchers that enjoy teamwork and support each other, creating a very positive and engaging work environment.

Your job

Your task would be to take a leading role in the team's continued investigations of parasite antigens involved in merozoite invasion of erythrocytes and evasion of the complement system, in the identification and functional characterization of monoclonal antibodies reacting with relevant parasite antigens and in the generation of antibody epitope mimics by phage display technology. Moreover, you will be designing novel epitope-based vaccines and testing them in vivo in mice.

To be an ideal candidate for the job you should have substantial expertise in malaria, experimental immunology, animal models for infectious diseases and vaccine research from previous postdoctoral work. This research experience must be supported by a documented record of accomplishment. Experience with cloning and protein engineering, including recombinant monoclonal antibodies, phage display technology and epitope discovery will be considered advantageous.

In addition to laboratory-based research in Copenhagen, the postdoc will be expected to participate in the team’s laboratory training of junior scientists, in our pre- and postgraduate teaching duties, in our field work in Africa (mainly Ghana), and in our on-going efforts to procure additional funding.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Please find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit .

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Immunology
• You are highly experienced in vaccine design, animal models, B and T cells-based assays, epitope prediction and discovery, as well as in presenting scientific data and writing original manuscripts.
• You are used to coordinate and supervise student projects
• You have an active interest and knowledge in malaria and vaccine development
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• International experience from different research institutions
• Substantial contribution to publications in the field of infectious diseases and vaccine development

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Centre for Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences,

 University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and facilities.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to 26 months. The start date is 27 October 2022.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,500 DKK/approx. 4,768 EUR (April 2022 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Associate professor Lea Barfod; [email protected] ; www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

Deadline for applications: 15 August 2022

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/  https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process /  

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.