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This Post doctoral position is associated with the project “How multispecies biofilms cope with phage infections – COPE” founded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The overall aim of the project is to uncover fundamental principles of bacteria-bacteriophage (phage) interactions in complex multispecies biofilm settings. A collection of bacteria and associated phages will be studied at high resolution by specific fluorescent labelling, advanced microscopy and bioimaging, cell sorting and genome sequencing. Specifically, effects of the biofilm matrix, spatial organization and presence of other species on phage susceptibility by biofilm bacteria will be identified.

The main tasks of this Post doc project are 1) to establish biofilm models for testing the ability of phages to infect biofilms vs. planktonic cultures, 2) isolate and characterize biofilm infecting phages and 3) genetically modify the model strains for analysis of determinants of phage susceptibility in biofilms vs. planktonic cultures.

The position is for 2 years and the project will be carried out at Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen where you will engage in teamwork within the group and with national and international collaborators.

The position is to be filled by 1.10.2025 or as soon as possible hereafter.

The Principal supervisor is Professor Mette Burmølle, PhD, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious researcher with strong experience in phage isolation and characterization, bacteria-phage interactions, biofilms and bacterial interactions. Applicants should have the following qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology or equivalent
  • Extensive hands on and documented experience with isolation, cultivation and characterization of bacteriophages from multiple bacterial hosts
  • Extensive hands on and documented experience with genome characterization and comparative genomics of bacteriophages and viromes
  • Hands on experience with cultivation and analysis of bacteria
  • Hands on experience with whole genome sequencing of bacteria on Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms
  • Hands on experience with use of in vitro biofilm models
  • Hands on experience with confocal microscopy analysis of bacterial communities
  • Hands on experience with genetic engineering of bacteria and fluorescence-based reporter systems.
  • Fluency in English
Main tasks of the appointed applicant

  • Establishment of biofilm models for studies of bacteria-phage interactions
  • Genetic engineering of bacterial model strains (incl. reporter constructs and gene knock-outs)
  • Isolation, identification and characterization of phages and viromes
  • Visual analysis of spatial community structure and composition using confocal microscopy and sequencing
Application

The application must contain:

  • Motivated letter detailing your motivation and background for applying for the Post doc project
  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of publications (if any)
  • Diploma and transcripts of records (MSc and PhD)
  • 1-3 reference letters (if any)
Reference letters must be uploaded by the applicant him/herself. The recruiting person must NOT obtain reference letters which content is not known to the applicant him/herself. This is against Danish law.

Contact and inquiries

Professor Mette Burmølle, PhD: burmolle@bio.ku.dk

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.

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 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07% to your pension fund

The University of Copenhagen wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

The deadline for the application is 21 June 2021, 23:59 GMT +2

Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered.

If you consider applying from abroad, you may find useful information on how it is to work in Denmark and at UCPH in this links: http://ism.ku.dk, https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/frontpage.htm and https://www.workindenmark.dk/.

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex

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