Two-year postdoc position in Infection Microbiology at Rigshospitalet

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in molecular microbiology. The position will be placed in a research group investigating persistent bacterial infections in human airways. Much of the research takes advantage of large libraries of clinical bacterial isolates whose infection properties are investigated after colonization of airway cell cultures derived from stem-cells/primary cells (Air-liquid-interphase cultures (ALI)). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important topic in our investigations.

We particularly search for a skilled and motivated molecular microbiologist with experience in strain design and construction of mutants using high-throughput state-of-the-art CRISPR-Cas technologies, phenotypic characterization (including -omics methodology and associated data analysis), and knowledge about bacterial gene regulation.

Collaboration with other members of the group is considered highly important.

The Infection Biology Group

The chosen postdoc will be placed in translational research group headed by Professor Helle Krogh Johansen and Professor Søren Molin. Helle is a clinical microbiologist affiliated with University Hospital Rigshospitalet (the Main Hospital in Denmark), and Søren is affiliated with the Technical University of Denmark. We have collaborated on translational projects for the last 20 years.

Our research group consists of postdocs, PhD students and Master students from several countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, Argentina, Sweden and Denmark) and different backgrounds (microbiology, cell biology, immunology, systems biology and bioinformatics).

Our research is currently focused on investigations of host-microbe interactions in relation to persistent infections by the environmental opportunistic bacterial pathogen – Pseudomonas aeruginosa – in human airways, for which we have established an infection model based on differentiated airway epithelial tissue cultures (ALI). With this model as a core experimental set-up, we investigate a range of features relevant for identification of host-microbe interactions explaining the persistence of the bacterial infections: Dispersal of the bacteria in the tissue model (confocal microscopy), responses to antibiotic treatment, metabolic profiling of the bacterial populations, impacts of host immune responses, biofilm properties of bacterial aggregates observed in the colonized tissue cultures, interactions between different bacteria in cases of multi-species infections, efficacy of novel antimicrobials, etc.

In addition, you must

• enjoy working with complex topics
• be independent and have a problem-solving attitude
• thrive on collaboration/teamwork with a focus on the process as well as the outcome
• believe in dialogue and feedback as the best foundation for sound decision-making

What we offer in return
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international cross-disciplinary atmosphere with the focus on research, education, innovation, and translation of basic science results to clinical applications for the benefit of patients. We offer translational collaboration, spanning several hospitals and DTU departments.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor, Consultant Helle Krogh Johansen, telephone +45 3122 8406, mail [email protected]

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than February 24, 2025.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English as one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV (including details, under appropriate headings, starting with the most recent)
• Diploma (Bachelor/Master/PhD)
• List of publications
• Letters of rekommandations

Please note, that applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.