Postdoc in novel antibacterials against Salmonella at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 13 Oct 2022

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position innovel antibacterial against Salmonellacommencing on January 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible hereafter.

The post doc will have a major role in developing novel antibacterials based on phage enzymes and components as a part of the project INNOLYSIN funded by The Open Lab Foundation. 

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

Our group and research
Our research group PHAGEBio studies the biology and applications of bacteriophages that have a natural ability to kill bacteria. The aim of our research is to elucidate novel mechanisms of phage-host interaction as well as exploiting phages and their enzymes to control pathogenic bacteria. We offer the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art, highly innovative, and scientifically stimulating environment. We value teamwork and consists of a group of ambitious researchers from all over the world and have a large network within the field of bacteriophages. We offer excellent training opportunities, both personally and professionally and the opportunity to contribute with new knowledge to an exciting and fast-moving scientific field.

For more information see here: https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/food_safety_and_zoonoses/phages/

Your job
Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne bacterial disease worldwide, usually leading to gastroenteritis. However, severe complications and high mortality rates are seen particularly in developing countries. In addition, increasing antibiotic resistance and ability of Salmonella to persist, call for novel treatment solutions of Salmonella infections. The project aims to target Salmonella by using and engineering endolysins, which are phage-encoded enzymes degrading the peptidoglycan of the cell wall, thus killing bacteria.

As a post doc your main task will be to identify novel endolysins against Salmonella and further expand the use of endolysins as antibacterials by engineering to Innolysins, which are endolysins fused with phage receptor-binding proteins, used by phages to specifically bind to bacterial surface. You will use novel technologies for a rapid construction of hundreds of Innolysins targeting diverse bacterial receptors and test their efficiency in vitro, in biofilm using confocal microscopy, in cell lines and the synergistic effects of other antibacterials. In addition, you will evaluate whether these enzymes can access and efficiently kill S. Typhimuriumin vivo in a mouse model with special focus on persister cells. Cell assays and animal experiments will be performed at the excellent facilities of the Tres Cantos Open Lab in Madrid during the second year of the project.

In this project, you will work in close collaboration with another postdoc as well as the team Tres Cantos Open Lab in Madrid. Finally, we expect you to reveal novel understanding of receptor-binding proteins of phages, mode-of-action of these antimicrobials and contribute to other projects running in our PHAGEBio research group.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

  • You have a PhD in molecular microbiology, biotechnology, synthetic biology or similar
  • You are highly experienced in cloning, DNA sequencing, genetic engineering and bioinformatic
  • You have an active interest in developing novel antibacterials
  • Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
  • Excellent English skills written and spoken
  • You are experienced in working independently
  • Experienced in manuscript writing

Desirable experience and skills:

  • Experience with assay development and high through-put methods
  • Experience with confocal microscopy
  • Experience with cell cultures and animal experiments
  • Experience with Salmonella
  • Experience with supervision of students

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 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 state-of-the-art equipment. While being employed at University of Copenhagen for the entire project period, you will work at University of Gent for approximately 2 months during the first year and spend the second year at The Open Lab in Madrid.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The start date is January 1st, 2023.

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 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 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 Professor Lone Brøndsted; [email protected] ; www.sund.ku.dk

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

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

  • Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
  • CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
  • A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
  • List of publications.
  • Deadline for applications: Sunday October 13, 2022, 23.59pm CET

    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/

    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.



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