Postdoc in Chemical Microbiology at Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious postdoc for a 3-year position, who is interested in research at the interface between chemistry and microbiology, to commence 1 April 2025.

The position is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary project funded by Sygeforsikringen “danmark”, which will ensure an excellent collaborative environment with opportunity to learn new technologies across disciplines ranging from fundamental chemistry to in vivo animal models

Information on the department can be found at https://drug.ku.dk/

Our research
With a foundation in chemical synthesis, the Olsen Lab seeks to explore the function of small molecules, peptides, peptidomimetics, and proteins in biological systems. Thus, working in the interdisciplinary interface between chemistry and biology. We are focusing on peptidomimetic secondary structures with potential for supramolecular assembly and multivalent display. We are also exploring naturally occurring macrocyclic peptides and analogues thereof for development of class- or isoform-selective HDAC inhibitors and quorum sensing modulators, as well as investigating substrate-specificity of the human lysine deacylase enzymes using chemical biology tools. The laboratory is currently comprised of about ten M.Sc. students, Ph.D. students, and postdoctoral fellows of diverse nationalities, with backgrounds in chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. We take pride in working as an inclusive team and we have a balanced gender composition.

Your job
Our laboratory has recently developed technology for identifying and synthesizing the chemical messenger molecules responsible for quorum sensing and crosstalk between staphylococci within the microbiome. These messenger molecules are called autoinducing peptides (AIPs). In this interdisciplinary and highly collaborative project, we will perform a substantial structure–activity relationship (SAR) study, building on our novel discoveries, and start to investigate the potential importance of bacterial cross-communication within the gut microbiota. Your tasks will thus include synthesis, assay development, and biological compound evaluation, including work performed in the laboratories of our collaborators at Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UCPH) and at Scripps Research in La Jolla, CA, USA.

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical biology
• You are highly experienced in organic synthesis and compound characterization
• You have an active interest in working with biologically active peptides
• You have an active interest in the biological evaluation of active compounds that target bacterial pathogens
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong background in either organic chemistry or microbiology, as documented by strong publications. Hands-on experience with both organic chemistry and microbiological or biochemical methods will be seen as favorable.

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, 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.

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 3 years. The start date is 1 April 2025 or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or another relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

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 2020.

Questions
For further information please contact Christian Adam Olsen, e-mail cao@sund.ku.dk  
https://drug.ku.dk/olsen-lab/

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

Application procedure
Your online 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: 5 January 2025, 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.

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