Postdoc in Veterinary Microbiology

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen



We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated veterinary microbiologist for a 2-year postdoc position starting around 1st December 2024, with the potential for a contract extension. The new postdoc is expected to contribute to the scientific and teaching activities of the research group One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (OHAR) within the section of Veterinary Clinical Microbiology. Additionally, the postdoc will be responsible for defined activities within the second EU Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (JAMRAI2). These activities focus on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control in veterinary medicine, livestock production, and environmental settings using a One Health approach. The goal is to develop evidence-based training programs and enhance capacity-building to facilitate the adoption of best practices for antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control among professionals in these sectors.

Information on the department and the section can be found at: https://ivh.ku.dk/.

Our research
The postdoc will be part of the OHAR research group led by Prof. Luca Guardabassi. Our research is characterized by two focus areas:

• Development of diagnostic tests and methods to reduce and rationalize antimicrobial use in animals.
• Optimization of veterinary antimicrobial use to minimize selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

For more information, please check the OHAR homepage here.

Your job
You are a highly qualified veterinary microbiologist with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team. You will be required to be physically present in the laboratory to contribute to ongoing research projects and oversee experiments conducted by PhD, MSc, and BSc students. Additionally, you are expected to deliver lectures for the Infection Microbiology and Veterinary Paraclinics courses within the veterinary study curriculum and to apply for funding for research within the two focus areas of the OHAR group. As part of the EU project of JAMRAI2, you will attend online and in-person meetings for WP6 (Antimicrobial Stewardship), WP7 (Infection Prevention and Control), and WP8 (surveillance of antimicrobial resistance) and will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the activities planned in these work packages.

Profile
We are seeking a highly qualified scientist with an exceptional track record of independent research in veterinary bacteriology and proven experience in supervising and teaching PhD and veterinary students.

Essential experience and skills:

• A MSc degree in Veterinary Medicine
• A PhD in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field
• Previous postdoctoral experience
• Outstanding publication record in relation to career stage
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills
• Experience in supervising PhD, MSc and BSc students
• Knowledge of basic concepts in antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control

Desirable experience and skills:

• Research experience in antimicrobial resistance
• Experience in metagenomics
• Research experience in veterinary mycology
• Experience in veterinary clinical practice

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the 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 that are fully equipped to perform traditional and molecular microbiology, including omics.

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 2 years with the potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs. The starting date is December 1st or shortly after.

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 38.575 DKK/approx. 5,168 EUR (April 2024 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 Luca Guardabassi ([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:

• Motivated letter of application (max. one page, double line spacing).
• CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
• A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate.
• List of publications.

Application deadline: September 15th 2024, 23.59pm CEST

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 in weeks 41-42 (7-18th October 2024).

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.