Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellow in Host-Directed Antimicrobial Research

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a one-year position to commence 1 March 2027 or after agreement.

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health challenge that highlights the need for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotic treatment.

Host-directed antimicrobial strategies are attracting increasing interest as complementary approaches to conventional antimicrobial therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated that a novel synthetic compound improves survival in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected Caenorhabditis elegans. Furthermore, previous studies in mammalian cells suggest that the compound may exert immunomodulatory effects, raising the possibility that stimulation of host defence pathways contributes to protection against infection.

This project aims to determine whether the novel synthetic compound can stimulate innate immunity and enhance host defence pathways in C. elegans and thereby contribute to protection against MRSA-infection. Using a combination of immunology, microbiology, and transcriptomics, the successful candidate will lead the experimental investigation of the phenotypic and transcriptional responses underlying this protective effect. All experimental work will be conducted in C. elegans.

Required qualifications

• A PhD in immunology, infection biology, microbiology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with the maintenance and experimental use of Caenorhabditis elegans, preferably as an infection model.
• Knowledge to innate immunity and host defence pathways.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Highly desirable qualifications

• Knowledge to innate immunity and host defence pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans.
• Experience with bacterial culture and experimental microbiology.
• Experience with omics-data analysis (such as RNA-seq data).
• Experience with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gene expression analysis.
• Experience with RNA interference (RNAi) and gene-silencing approaches.
• Knowledge of antimicrobial compounds and antimicrobial resistance.
• Experience contributing to external funding applications.
• A strong publication record relative to career stage.

Key responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research within host-directed antimicrobial strategies and innate immunity. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to student supervision, assist in the preparation of external funding applications, and lead the dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and presentations, as well as participate in other academic activities.

Research environment and collaboration

The successful candidate will be based in a research environment with expertise in C. elegans biology and will interact closely with collaborators possessing complementary expertise in immunity, microbiology, and bioinformatics. The interdisciplinary nature of the project provides excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and the development of skills across multiple disciplines while independently driving the research project.

Further information

Further information on the Department is linked at https://ivh.ku.dk/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Associate Professor Tina V. A. Hansen, alstrup@sund.ku.dk

Starting date and duration

The position is available from 1 March 2027 or after agreement. The position is a fixed-term, full-time postdoctoral appointment for a period of one year.

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.

You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish).

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
• Contact information for 2–3 references.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 24 November 2026, 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 https://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 2-4, 2027.

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