Postdoc in Virology at Department of Veterinary- and Animal Sciences

We are looking for two highly motivated and dynamic postdoctoral researchers for two-year positions, both to commence on 1 November 2024 or after agreement.

You will either be responsible for the research in swine or avian influenza viruses and will be part of the research group for Veterinary and Zoonotic Virology (VEZ-VIR).

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

Our research
The research group carries out research and teaching in the areas of animal and zoonotic viral infections. We seek to enhance understanding of virus biology spanning from the molecular level to the disease caused in the animal. We have extensive experience in studying viruses and continue to use this knowledge towards the development of improved vaccines to control the diseases. The group consists of two professors, two assistant professors, eight postdocs, five PhD Students, two laboratory technicians and a bunch of master and bachelor students and with almost equal gender balance. We are always very busy, but have a good, international working environment with lots of humor, cake club and flexible work assignments.

Your job
One postdoctoral researcher will join the veterinary contingency program on avian influenza A virus (AIV), primarily focusing on various aspects of AIV infections in birds and mammalian species. This role involves participating in surveillance activities in close cooperation with Statens Serum Institute (SSI) and contributing to the National Expert Group on avian influenza viruses. The research will emphasize studying the genetic evolution of AIVs through phylogenetic analyses of viruses circulating in Denmark. Additionally, the researcher will engage in experimental studies to investigate different vaccination strategies against high pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in poultry.

The other postdoctoral researcher position entails swine influenza virus (SIV) research and also collaborate with Statens Serum Institute (SSI) on surveillance activities. This research will concentrate on the establishment of in vitro assays (gene and protein based) for assessment of the zoonotic potential of influenza virus from swine and other mammalians.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Virology or similar
• You have a detailed knowledge on influenza A viruses or other related viruses
• You have an active interest in development of methods for the study of virus infections
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with next generation sequencing and standard bioinformatics methods
• Experience in n vitro molecular virology assays
• Experience in experimental infections studies

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The workplace is at Frederiksberg Campus. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and infrastructure.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The employment as postdoctoral researcher is a fixed-term position for three years. Starting date is 1 November 2024 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 36,400 DKK/approx. 4,880 EUR (October 2023 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 Professor Lars Erik Larsen, e-mail: [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.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 11 august 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.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 36 and 37.

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