We are looking for two highly motivated and dynamic assistant professors in the area of discovery and studies of novel peptide-based antibiotics for two 1.5 year positions to commence on June 1st, 2021. The positions will support the activities at the Center for Peptide Antibiotics (CEPAN), Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen and will be affiliated with the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science.

Our research:

The Center for Peptide-Based Antibiotics (CEPAN) offers an ambitious scientific environment, with many different nationalities represented. CEPAN is a research center at University of Copenhagen supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge program aiming at the discovery of novel peptide-based antibiotics targeting resistant Gram-negative bacteria. You can read more at https://cepan.ku.dk/

Job descriptions:

Position 1: The project involves the identification of novel intracellular targets for peptide and PNA based antibiotics and the identification of bacterial envelope permeabilizing peptides (EPPs). Combinatorial peptide libraries will be designed, generated and expressed intracellularly to identify both hit peptides/compounds as well as to reveal novel molecular targets for antibiotics. Peptides that are interfering with bacterial growth identified in the screening will act as novel lead peptides for further drug development.

Position 2:  The project involves understanding of how PNA conjugated to cell penetrating peptides translocate across the Gram-negative envelope, to reach its intracellular target, and how the bacteria becomes resistant to these.

Profiles:

Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are encouraged to apply. The assistant professor’s duties will primarily focus on research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination. To a limited extent, this may also include performance of other duties.

Required qualifications for position 1:

• You have a PhD in molecular microbiology or equivalent
• Extensive experience in recombinant DNA technology with primarily Escherichia coli and ideally also with additional Gram-negative bacteria
• Experience in genetically encoded peptide display technologies
• Hands-on experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience in fluorescence techniques in bacterial cell biology
• Strong publication record

Required qualifications for position 2:

• You have a PhD in molecular microbiology, genetics or similar
• Extensive experience in recombinant DNA technology with primarily Escherichia coli and ideally also with additional Gram-negative bacteria
• Hands-on experience with antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience with DNA/RNA-sequencing, adaptive laboratory evolution studies or similar approaches
• Understanding of the cell envelope in E. coli

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Furthermore, each candidate must be assessed according to the specific requirements stated in the job advertisement. Please read more at https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/dokumenter-til-meritering/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf .

 Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Anders Løbner-Olesen, lobner@bio.ku.dk.

The positions are open from 01.06.2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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

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.

The starting salary is currently up to DKK 437.843 including annual supplement (+ pension up to DKK 74.871). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

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
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
• Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
• Teaching experience
• Formal pedagogical training
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 5 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 28 February 2021, 23:59 GMT + 1

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held on weeks 12 - 13.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.