Postdoctoral position in infection-organoid biology at Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics

We are looking for a creative and curious researcher for a postdoctoral position in infection-organoid biology. The position is for two years, with a start date on 1 April 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You will get to explore how Helicobacter pylori bacteria compete and cooperate with each other in a gastric organoid system, and test the potential host effects hereof.

Our research
You will join our small, but growing, team of scientists studying how intra- and interspecific interactions between microbes affect host health, in an evolutionary medicine framework. We focus on Helicobacter pylori, an ancient inhabitant of the human stomach, with a rapidly declining prevalence. The organoid work will complement our other approaches, using mouse infection experiments and screening of clinical samples.
We have local and international collaborators, that you will get to work with. At the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics we are establishing a gut-on-a-chip model, with techniques and questions of interest to your work. Training specifically in the Helicobacter-organoid system can be achieved through our international collaborators.

The Center provides an inclusive and international work environment, where interdisciplinarity and creativity is key. We are located in beautiful central Copenhagen, and frequent scientific and social events contribute to a collaborative atmosphere.

Your job
Bacteria can compete and cooperate within a population, and when such interactions take place inside our bodies they may affect our health. You will test how H. pylori traits with known effects on human health affect the ability of the bacteria to interact with each other, by comparing mono and co-cultures of wild type bacteria with knock-outs using microscopy and RNA sequencing. You will play a key role in establishing our organoid lab and will have a large degree of freedom to shape the project. You will have opportunities to participate in relevant courses and conferences.

Profile
We are looking for an independent and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in cell biology, immunology, microbiology or similar
• You are experienced in organoid work or cell culturing
• You are experienced with microscopy
• You have an interest in symbiotic microorganisms
• You have proficient communication skills and the ability to work in teams
• You have excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with microbial engineering
• Experience with bioinformatics
• FELASA certification for mouse experimental work
• Interest in evolutionary biology

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics at GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen. This is a new Center of Excellence where we study host-microbe interactions, and the impact of partner diversity on the outcome (for more information check https://ceh.ku.dk/ ). We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories with on-site equipment for laser microdissection and high through-put sequencing. For advanced microscopy we use the nearby core facility (https://cfim.ku.dk/ ).
The position is funded by a Lundbeckfonden Fellowship to PI Sandra Breum Andersen.

Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is 1 April 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Salary, pension and terms of employment will be in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,003 DKK/ approx. 4,667 Euro (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Non-Danish 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 “Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at the Universities” of 11 December 2019.

Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Sandra Breum Andersen, e-mail: [email protected] , web: https://globe.ku.dk/research/evogenomics/breum-andersen-group/ .  

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:

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

2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.

3. 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.

4. List of publications.

Application deadline:  9 January 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.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

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.