PhD fellowship in Microbiology
PhD Project in Bacteria-Phage interaction
Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen
Department of Biology, Section of Microbiology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in fundamental study of phage-bacteria interactions. The project is financed by Carlsberg Foundation and others.
Start date is (expected to be) 1st November 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
Join a cutting-edge project unraveling the molecular dynamics of phage-bacteria warfare to combat antibiotic resistance!
The project aims to study fundamental molecular mechanisms of how phages interact with host bacteria during infections, particularly focusing on the use of E. coli and its related phages as model organisms. However, the results may be applied in pathogenic bacteria related to E. coli, addressing the pressing issue of global antibiotic-resistant superbugs by studying phage-bacteria interactions. This project involves molecular, physiological and systematic study of E. coli- phage interaction mechanisms, with potential mechanistic studies of phage and bacteria protein interactions. The candidate will have the chance to be trained with multidisciplinary tools including molecular biology, biochemistry, deep sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, genetics, phage engineering etc. Besides, academic exchanges to China (and/or Switzerland, Germany) are possible depending on the project progress.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for passionate and highly talented candidates within the field(s) of Microbiology,
Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
- Essential:
- Bachelor and Master’s in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
- Solid knowledge about molecular microbiology, bacterial stress response, phage biology
- Solid wet-lab experience (molecular cloning, microbial culturing, etc.)
- Strong interest in phage biology & antimicrobial resistance
- Preferred:
- Experience with omics data analysis (esp. RNA-seq, proteomics)
- Bioinformatics tools and computational skills (R/Python).
- Evidence of scientific writing (thesis/publications).
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The research group currently composed of the PI, two PhD students and one technician. Approximately two more postdocs will join the lab soon. The group focuses on the study of bacterial stress response and bacteria-phage interaction. For more information, please visit the homepage at UCPH. The group is a part of Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state of the art equipment for protein biochemistry, library strains, microbial culturing, bioimaging, and high-throughput studies.
Principal supervisor is Dr. Yong E Zhang (yong.zhang@bio.ku.dk)
Qualifications needed for the PhD programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the PhD programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme
- Rigorously carry out independent research projects under the PI’s supervision
- Record and report periodic progress clearly, logically and proactively
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Carry out dissemination and relevant teaching activities
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following further qualifications:
- Solid knowledge of molecular microbiology, phage biology, protein science and relevant field
- Strong ability to interpret data and think analytically, critically, conceptually, synthetically and interdisciplinarily
- Strong social competence including interpersonal skills, teamwork and networking ability, and presentation skills
- Strong personal competence including autonomy, goal-oriented mind-set, planning/organizing/prioritizing, perseverance, problem-solving skills
- General leadership skills including ability to translate long-term goals to daily work situations (strategic time managing); be flexible to adjust one’s own behavior and thinking according to the (relevant/local) context so as to attain the desired goals (learning ability)
- Language skills: fluent English, ability to understand swiftly and express clearly
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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) – please relate how the above required abilities are represented in your past work experiences
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2025, 23:59 GMT +2
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 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.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 43-44.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
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.