Postdoc Position in Antibiotic Tolerance Research

We are offering a postdoc position in antibiotic tolerance research to commence on 1st April 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Immunology and Microbiology at University of Copenhagen is a unique interdisciplinary research flagship exploring the biology of pathogenic microbes and our immune system, with the aim of improving population health.

Project description

The purpose of the research project is to obtain knowledge about the mechanistic basis of biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance in the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a model organism for biofilm research.

Persistent infections caused by biofilm forming bacteria are an important medical problem. Since our current treatment regimens in many cases fail to cure biofilm-based infections, new anti-biofilm drugs and novel treatment strategies are needed to combat these problematic infections. However, our present knowledge of the mechanistic basis underlying the recalcitrance of biofilms to antibiotic treatment is fragmented and incomplete, and knowledge on this topic is needed in order to develop novel efficient medicine against biofilm infections. Based on experiments with the next generation sequencing method Tn-Seq we will identify the entire set of genes that play a role in the tolerance of P. aeruginosa biofilms to a selection of clinically relevant antibiotics. Thereby the genes, proteins and mechanisms that are involved in biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance will be identified. This will enable the development of novel measures to combat infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. 

Principal investigator is Professor Tim Tolker-Nielsen,  Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, E-mail: [email protected]

Project Start:     1st April 2023

Duration:            3 years

Job description
Your key tasks as a postdoc are to:

• Carry out a research project under mentorship of the group leader
• Participate actively in the research environment locally and beyond
• Present and discuss your research at group/center/departmental meetings
• Write scientific papers describing your research findings
• Participate in day-to-day supervision of students
• Teach and disseminate your knowledge

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

Applicants must have a PhD degree related to the subject area of the project. Experience in biofilm research and molecular microbiology is required. Applicants having experience with Tn-Seq will be preferred.We reserve the right not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Other important criteria are:

• Good publication record
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in biofilm research and molecular microbiology
• A wish to work as part of a team
• English language skills

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is full time and fixed term for 3 years.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organization. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Tim Tolker-Nielsen, [email protected]

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: 

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. two pages)

3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b)  MSc certificate.

4. Publication list

Application deadline: 12 February, 2023, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline.

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.

The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.

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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 8.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

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.