Postdoc in molecular microbiology and bacteria-phage interactions

The Environmental Microbial Group (EMG) at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (PLEN), Section for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology at the University of Copenhagen is offering a 21-month postdoc position within the field of bacteria-phage interactions.

The position will be located at PLEN, but will be in strong collaboration with The Molecular Microbial Ecology Group (MME) at the Department of Biology (BIO), Section for Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen.

Bacteriophages (phages) are viral parasites that infect and kill bacteria, which might cause huge production losses in industrial facilities relying on the use of bacteria in fermentation practices. Bacteria constantly develop diverse anti-phage defense systems, but as a response, phages evolve an arsenal of counter-defense strategies. With this project, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we aim to investigate the dynamics of phage-bacterial co-evolution and explore the impact of bacterial immune defenses against phages. Our tasks will involve screening and characterizing novel anti-phage defense systems, as well as engineering combinations of defenses in industrially relevant strains to enhance their resilience towards phage infections.

The candidate will be expected to conduct independent research within the area of bacterial genetics, phage biology, and molecular microbiology. The candidate will identify putative bacterial anti-phage defense systems by a combined bioinformatic and experimental approach. Bioinformatic work will be conducted in close collaboration with Assistant Prof. Rafael Pinilla-Redondo at the Section for Microbiology. Experimental work will be conducted at PLEN and includes high-throughput functional validation screening approaches and molecular characterization of anti-phage defense system candidates. Further, the candidate is expected to engage in teaching and supervision.

Candidates must have a PhD or similar qualifications within molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics, phage biology, bacteria-phage interactions, anti-phage defense systems, or other relevant research fields. Laboratory experience with different cloning techniques, functional genomic screenings, molecular work in Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactococcus lactis and/or Bacillus subtilis, DNA sequencing (Illumina and PacBio), and phage work is strongly desirable. Also, experience or interest in bioinformatics is preferred.

The candidate is expected to be enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary academic environment conducting research and teaching at the highest international level. The position, therefore, requires a highly motivated scientist who is comfortable working in teams, has good interpersonal skills, as well as a collaborative and open mindset.

Further information on the Departments is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Prof. Leise Riber, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: +45 40220068, or Assistant Prof. Rafael Pinilla-Redondo, Department of Biology. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: +4561729969.

The position is open from 1July 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

- Curriculum vitae

- Cover letter

- Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)

- Complete publication list

- Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 10 May 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

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

Interviews will be held in the beginning of June 2024.