Postdoc Position in Molecular Microbiology, Chemical Biology and Immunology

We are offering a postdoc position in a multidisciplinary project comprising molecular microbiology, chemical biology and immunology to commence on 1st September 2022 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 our immune system and pathogenic microbes, with the aim of improving population health.

Project description

The aim of the research project is to identify chemical compounds that specifically inhibit production of a toxin in the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and impede the pathogenic effects of S. aureus in atopic dermatitis (AD), without disturbing the beneficial commensal skin bacteria.

AD is an inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 5% of adults and 20% of children worldwide. The skin of individuals with AD is often colonized with the bacterium S. aureus, and this is associated with exacerbation of the disease. On the other hand, the presence of commensal skin bacteria is known to alleviate the symptoms of AD. Recently, compelling evidence was presented that a toxin produced by S. aureus is responsible for eliciting an immune response that exacerbates the AD disease. The new research project is aimed at identifying chemical compounds that specifically block the production of this toxin in S. aureus, and impede its pathogenic effects in AD. The project is expected to improve our understanding of the underlying biological, medicinal and pharmacological mechanisms of dermatitis and its symptoms, and to provide lead chemical compounds that potentially can be developed into medicine against AD flares. 

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

Project Start:     1st September 2022

Duration:            3 years

Job description
Your key tasks as a postdoc are to:

• Carry through an independent 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
• 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 bacteriology and molecular microbiology is required. Experience with genetic modification of Staphylococcus aureus is advantageous. Applicants having experience with automated high-throughput screening and liquid-handling robots will be preferred.We reserve the right not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

Other important criteria are:

• Publication record
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in molecular microbiology and immunology
• A wish to work as part of a team
• Experience in supervision
• English language skills

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Costerton Biofilm Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. In addition, a part of the project will be performed at the LEO Foundation Skin Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories in the Panum building as well as on the 12th floor of the Mærsk Tower.

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. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.

4. Publication list

Application deadline:  8 July, 2022, 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 28.

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.