Exciting Postdoc Opportunities: Unraveling Horizontal Gene Transfer and Ecosystem Impacts of Biopesticides

We are offering two postdoc positions in molecular microbial ecology, metagenomics, and bioinformatics at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. One position is for four years, and the other is for two years, both as part of the EMBARQ project (www.embarq.dk), a Center of Excellence funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Start date: June 15, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

About EMBARQ
EMBARQ's mission is to provide a knowledge base and develop innovative tools to quantify the environmental impact of biologicals, particularly biopesticides, for agriculture and sustainability. The project introduces groundbreaking methodologies in risk assessment, including:
•    Tracking biologicals in the environment.
•    Calibrating risks against natural fluctuations.
•    Integrating AI tools for risk evaluation.
•    Applying a OneHealth perspective.
We aim to expand traditional risk assessment approaches by addressing factors like horizontal gene transfer and its potential to affect pathogenicity, as well as evaluating ecosystem-level impacts of biopesticide applications.

Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking ambitious and motivated postdoctoral researchers with the following qualifications:
•    A PhD in natural sciences with expertise in soil microbial ecology, horizontal gene transfer, and metagenomics.
•    Proficiency in biostatistical analyses and hands-on experience with metagenomic sequencing techniques.
•    Strong English communication and writing skills, demonstrated through a solid publication record.
The ideal candidate thrives in collaborative environments, can work independently, and is eager to take on leadership roles within a team.

Our Research Environment
The Section of Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen is recognized as a world-leading research hub in microbial ecology and molecular microbiology. Our dynamic and collaborative group fosters cutting-edge scientific innovation while maintaining a strong emphasis on social integration and teamwork.
As a member, you will benefit from:
•    An inspiring and highly supportive international research environment.
•    Opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists across disciplines.
•    Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including in-house PacBio, Nanopore, and Illumina sequencing platforms, and HPC resources.
•    A vibrant social atmosphere, promoting teamwork and idea-sharing within a diverse group of PhD students, postdocs, and faculty.
We take pride in combining scientific excellence with a collaborative spirit, ensuring that all team members thrive both professionally and personally.

Principal Investigators:
•    Center leader Professor Søren J. Sørensen ([email protected])
•    Professor Anders Priemé ([email protected])

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. 

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 two years and four years each. The starting date is 15 June, 2025 or after agreement.
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 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 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 Center leader Professor Søren J. Sørensen ([email protected])
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. Motivation letter explaining your interest in the position.
2. Research plan outlining your current and future research goals related to this position.
3. Curriculum vitae (max two pages).
4. Complete list of publications.
5. PDFs of your two most relevant publications.
6. Copies of your Master’s and PhD diplomas (or equivalent).
7. Contact information for two professional referees.

Deadline for applications: 3 April 2025, 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 http://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 from week 18.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.