Postdoc Position in Antibiotic Resistance Research
We are offering a postdoc position in antibiotic resistance research to commence on 1st August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Department of Immunology and Microbiology at University of Copenhagen is a unique interdisciplinary research flagship exploring the biology of pathogenic microbes and our immune system, with the aim of improving population health.
Project description
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, where pathogens resist antibiotics, making infections difficult or impossible to treat. To overcome AMR, the consensus has been that we need to develop antibiotics at a pace that matches the rate of evolution of resistance.However, it has become evident that new antibiotics cannot be developed at a sufficient pace, and annual deaths due to AMR are predicted to be 10 million by the year 2050 if new approaches are not undertaken. By joining forces in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), chemistry and molecular biology, we intend to develop new antibiotics that are effective not only against current bacteria, but also against potential future bacterial variants.
Through state-of-the-art AI/ML, molecular biology and chemistry we will explore the evolutionary diversity of proteins that are involved in antibiotic resistance and develop novel antibiotics that can evade current and future resistance mechanisms.
Principal investigator Professor Tim Tolker-Nielsen. E-mail: ttn@sund.ku.dkProject Start: 1st August 2026
Duration: 2 years
Job description
Your key tasks as postdoc are to:
- Carry out a research project under mentorship of the group leader.
- Participate actively in the research environment locally and beyond.
- Present and discuss your research at scientific meetings.
- Write scientific papers describing your research findings.
- Participate in day-to-day supervision of students.
- Teach and disseminate your knowledge.
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have a PhD degree related to the subject area of the project. Applicants having experience with cloning of gene libraries, antibiotic selection experiments and next generation DNA sequencing will be preferred. We reserve the right not to consider applicants that do not live up to these requirements.
Other important criteria are:
- Good publication record.
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in molecular microbiology and antibiotic resistance.
- A wish to work as part of a team.
- English language skills.
Place of employment
The place of employment is the Costerton Biofilm Center at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.
Terms of employment
The employment as postdoc is full time and fixed term for 2 years. If employment as postdoc is not possible, the best candidate may alternatively be employed as Academic Research Staff.
Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organization. The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.
QuestionsFor further information please contact Professor Tim Tolker-Nielsen, ttn@sund.ku.dk
Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. two pages)
- Teaching experience
- A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) MSc certificate.
- Publication list
Application deadline: April 19, 2026, 23.59pm CET
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline.
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.
The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.
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 20.
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication.With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex