Postdoc in Bioinformatics and Phage-Bacteria Interactions

Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology
Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen



The University of Copenhagen’s Section of Microbiology is offering a 24-month postdoctoral position focused on bioinformatics and phage-bacteria interactions.

Phages are ubiquitous viruses that infect and kill bacteria. As a result, bacteria have evolved diverse anti-phage defense systems to protect themselves from infection, but the extent of the diversity of defense systems across environments and their molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. The position is part of a project funded by a Villum Young Investigator grant (Villum Fonden), which seeks to shed light on the co-evolution of phages and bacteria. The project aims to explore bacterial immune defenses against phages and how phages overcome these defenses. This research is expected to enhance our understanding of bacterial immunity and could lead to advances in biotechnological applications, treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, and models for studying immunity in humans and other organisms.

The selected candidate will conduct research under the guidance of Assistant Professor Rafael Pinilla-Redondo at the Section of Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and will collaborate closely with Professor Peter Fineran’s group at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Responsibilities include engaging in independent bioinformatics research, teaching, and supervising students at the University of Copenhagen.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics, immunology, or a related field. Experience in bioinformatics related to bacterial anti-phage defense mechanisms and phage biology is highly preferred. In addition, the successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Proficiency in one or more programming language(s) commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g. R, Python), and have experience working in UNIX and high-performance computing.
• Experience in developing and maintaining bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Experience in bacterial culture, DNA extraction, and PCR.
• Experience with cloning bacterial genes, plasmid preparation, and sequencing.
• Experience with preparing and maintaining bacteriophage stocks and performing bacteriophage infection assays.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research and teaching.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, and possess a collaborative and open mindset.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Further information on the Department is linked at at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assistant Prof. Rafael Pinilla-Redondo, Department of Biology. E-mail: [email protected].

The position is open from August 1st, 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 a salary supplement is possible.

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

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 7 June 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 on June 3rd.