Post doc position at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

A fully funded 2-year postdoctoral position within the field of bacterial antibiotic resistance is available in the group of Associate Professor Dorte Frees within the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The highly collaborative project “Breaking Antimicrobial Resistance by Targeting Potentiators” is funded by The Independent Research fund Denmark (FTP) and involves leading researchers from University of Copenhagen, University of Southern Denmark (Odense), Statens Serum Institute (Copenhagen), University of Greifswald, and Harvard Medical School.



Project description

One of the biggest challenges to modern health care is the increasing number of bacterial infections not responding to antibiotic treatment. This clinical challenge is compounded by the lack of mechanistic understanding of bacterial resistance. The objective of the “Breaking Antimicrobial Resistance by Targeting Potentiators” project is to combat antimicrobial resistance by delineating the molecular mechanisms whereby intrinsic bacterial factors, so-called “potentiators”, allow bacteria to develop high-level resistance to antibiotics. In the present project we will focus on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the resistant pathogens having the greatest clinical impact. Specifically, we will investigate how the Spx controlled bacterial stress response is potentiating both virulence and antimicrobial resistance in MRSA. The laboratory work will include state of the art molecular methods within microbiology and immunology in combination with advanced microscopy. The postdoctoral fellow must expect to spend at least 6 months in one of the collaborating institutions, Harvard Medical School and University of Greifswald as well as to have shorter research stay at the national project partners in Denmark.



The group

The project will be supervised by Associate Professor Dorte Frees who has extensive experience in the molecular biology of antibiotic resistance and the pathogenesis of bacterial pathogens. The major research interest of the FreesLab is to identify novel targets that can be used to dis-arm bacteria by either by restoring antibiotic sensitivity, or by preventing production of central virulence factors. In the group we have a strong focus on doing excellent science in an open, collaborative, and sustainable work environment, and in supporting each members’ individual career goals. More information FreesLab can be found at: https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/food_safety_and_zoonoses/freeslab/.



The institution

The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (IVH: https://ivh.ku.dk/english/) is localized at the Frederiksberg campus of University of Copenhagen. Research at IVH focuses broadly on food safety, antibiotic resistance, animal welfare, immune system, and lifestyle diseases. The cross-disciplinary research is dedicated to find solutions to important societal challenges. The department offers a highly international research environment with a collaborative atmosphere and supported by state-of-the-art Core Facilities and administrative services.



Required qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist who has

• a PhD degree in molecular microbiology, preferentially within a topic of relevance to the project subject (e.g., cellular stress responses, protein signaling, functional genomics, gene expression or related).
• Solid experience in relevant methodologies such as (bacterial ) molecular biology, functional genomics, protein biochemistry, microscopy and/or antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with bioinformatic genomic analyses.
• A documented publication record, preferentially with at least one first author paper in an international peer-reviewed biological journal.
• An open-minded and enthusiastic personality.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently as part of a team.
• Excellent English communication skills both oral and written.
• An interest in teaching.
  

The application must be in English and include the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
• CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
• A certified copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the supervisor will do.
• List of publication.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state of the art equipment.



Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years. Starting date is January the 1st 2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.

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 38,575 DKK/ approx. 5,170 Euro (April 2024-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 June 28, 2013.



Questions
For further information please contact Associate Professor Dorte Frees; [email protected]; www.sund.ku.dk

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: October the 1st 2024, 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.



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.