Postdoctor fellowship comparative metabolomics of termite fungus cultivars and microbial communities

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship on comparative metabolomics of termite fungus cultivars and microbial communities is available from February 1st, 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, at the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The fellowship is part of the 5-year ERC Consolidator Grant project Disease-free social life without antibiotic resistance to Prof. Michael Poulsen (https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/staff/?pure=en/persons/227714).

The application of antimicrobial compounds produced by hosts or defensive symbionts to counter disease has been identified a number of organisms, but we know little about why antimicrobials do not trigger rampant resistance evolution. Fungus-farming termites have evolved a sophisticated agricultural symbiosis that in stark contrast to virtually any other organism, does not suffer from specialised diseases.

The project involves comparative metabolomics of fungal cultivars, termite guts and fungus gardens across the evolutionary history of the termite symbiosis, and will involve fieldwork in Africa. The fellow will have experience and interest in metabolomics techniques, and antimicrobial compounds and their evolution, and will work closely with a PhD student.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Dr. Poulsen (mpoulsen@bio.ku.dk)

Qualifications
a) PhD in chemistry, biochemistry or biology.
b) Experience with metabolomics techniques, e.g., LC-MS, LC-MS/MS and NMR.
c) An interest in fieldwork and symbiotic interactions.
d) Creativity and ability to be both team-oriented and independent.
e) Embrace of an international research environment and interdisciplinary research.
f) A proven record of excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills.

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

The successful candidate will be offered a full-time position for two years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in scientific publications.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment according 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, max. 2 pages
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2020, 23:59 GMT + 1.

APPLY NOW

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/