Postdoc position in Microbiology at Københavns Universitet


The Department of Food Science, Section of Microbiology, Gut Health, and Fermentation invites applicants for a Postdoc position in the project of Inter-kingdom interactions with the aim of exploring innovative approaches to understanding interspecies interactions between bacteria and microalgae. We are looking for a highly enthusiastic and dynamic researcher to explore microalgae’s synergistic interactions with bacteria to increase production yields. The position is part of a research project funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

Background

Production of animal-based protein is responsible for more than half of greenhouse gas emissions from global food consumption. Therefore, the world is in need of feasible alternatives, such as microalgae. Microalgae have the ability to produce and accumulate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), protein and glucans, which are considered of high nutritional value, as well as the ability to degrade pollutants (i.e. pesticides, hydrocarbons). Accordingly, various industries (i.e. food, pharma, biofuels, bioremediation) have opened the doors to microalgae production. However, production of microalgae is slow and costly.
Currently, we know that microalgae naturally live alongside bacteria, and that there is a wide diversity in emergent properties of multispecies communities. Our aim is to discover and use synergistic inter-kingdom interactions between microalgae and bacteria as growth promoter.
The postdoc’s duties will include research within microbiology and inter-kingdom interactions, as well as teaching and supervision of student projects. The post may also include performance of other duties associated with running a small research group.
Further information about the Department can be found at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist with the following key competences:
  • PhD or equivalent degree in biology or microbiology.
  • Experience in molecular biology and microbiology.
  • Expertise with multispecies interactions and biofilm.
  • Experience with microscopy.
  • Excellent communication skills in English, including presentations and scientific writing.
  • Ability to carry out independent research.
  • Passion for working in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

Preferred skills:
  • Experience with microalgae.
  • Bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data.
  • Interest in industrial biotechnology.

Our research

Our group welcomes team members of any nationality, gender, and age. Our work is focused on understanding bacterial interactions, as well as inter-kingdom interactions. We investigate the mechanisms behind the varied properties of bacteria to understand them and learn how to control them. Our aim is to harness the potential of microorganisms for a brighter and more sustainable future.
The groups is part of a section with ~50 members. The section works on a range of topics from gut health, food fermentation and starter culture functionality over food preservation and spoilage including biocontrol, microbial food safety and hygiene, gut microflora and probiotics in humans and animals, and microbiological quality assurance. The department hosts comprehensive infrastructure and well-equipped facilities

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Food Science (), University of Copenhagen. We offer stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment, with enriching scientific discussions, and access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment.

Terms of employment

The employment as postdoc is a full time and fixed-term position for 2 years and 9 months. The position is open from 1 June 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter. 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 salary supplement is possible.
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

  • Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
  • Curriculum vitae, including information about your education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position
  • Diplomas (Master's and PhD degrees, transcripts of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in a language other than English or Danish).
  • Research plan – description of current and future research plans
  • Complete publication list
  • Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
  • Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 14 May 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

The further process

After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week late May 2024.

Questions

For further information about the postdoc position, please contact Tenure Track Assistant Professor Henriette Lyng Røder
Foreign applicants may find this link useful: (International Staff Mobility).

Remember to mention that you found this position on MyCareer