Postdoc in Parasite-Microbiome interactions

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2 year position to commence 1 May 2026, or after agreement.

The postdoc will be part of the Parasites, Immunology and Gut Health (PIGH) group in the Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology.

A list of the group’s publications can be found at: https://scholar.google.dk/citations?hl=en&user=70v-4RoAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

Information on the department can be found at: ivh.ku.dk

Our group and research
The PIGH group is interested in how dietary components and the gut microbiota interact to regulate type-2 immunity at mucosal surfaces, which is critical for protection against helminth parasites but can also cause pathologies such as allergies when dysregulated. We apply small (rodent) and large (swine) animal models and in vitro cell culture techniques to explore host-pathogen-microbiome interactions and nutritional immunology.  The group is a multidisciplinary team embedded within the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, with close links to other sections working on diseases, food chemistry, natural product chemistry, and the gut microbiome. Our aims are to develop novel therapies to prevent infection and disease in animals and humans. The group is international in nature, and the daily working language is English.

Your job

In this position, you will work on a project exploring interactions between helminths and the host gut microbiome. We are particularly interested in how diet-driven changes in the host gut microbiome impact the parasite microbiome and metabolism. The main role of the postdoc will be to carry out research involving dietary manipulations and experimental parasite infections of both small and large animals. This will be coupled with extensive microbiome analyses including both amplicon-based sequencing approaches and shotgun (metagenomic) approaches and associated bioinformatic analyses. Furthermore, the duties of the Postdoc will include (co-)supervision of PhD and MSc students, supporting the overall research goals of the group, and contributing to a positive and supportive group environment that emphasizes teamwork, curiosity and positivity.

The postdoc’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in parasitology, biology or related field
• You are experienced in laboratory animal models, including experimental parasite infections, with FELASA accreditation or equivalent.
• You have experience in gut microbiome analytical techniques, both metagenomics and 16S amplicon sequencing
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with transcriptomics and immunology techniques (e.g. flow cytometry).
• You have an active interest in nutrition and/or gut health.
• Experience with large animal (e.g. swine) models of parasite infection.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and animal facilities.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The start date is 1 May 2026 or after agreement.

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.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Professor Andrew Williams arw@sund.ku.dk  

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do
4. List of publications

Deadline for applications: Monday 16 February 2026, 23.59pm CET

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

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 week 10, 2026

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