Postdoc research fellowships in infection microbiology at the Technical University of
Denmark (DTU) and Rigshospitalet (RH)
We are searching for 4 talented postdoctoral researchers to the ‘Infection Microbiology Group’
jointly hosted by Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (CfB), DTU, and
Department of Clinical Microbiology (KMA), RH.
DTU and RH have established a unique research platform for translational microbiology and
sustainable antimicrobial therapy, which carries out biomedical and clinical research targeting
chronic infectious diseases. The research is performed with several international partners at a
high international level.
The successful candidates will be working on aspects of bacterial infections. The group is
performing research based on systems biology concepts including –omics methodologies and
metabolic modeling. There is a tight collaboration between the Infection Microbiology Group
and other groups in CfB (www.biosustain.dtu.dk) and KMA
(https://www.rigshospitalet.dk/english/departments/centre-of-diagnosticinvestigation/department-of-clinical-microbiology/Pages/default.aspx) concerning adaptive
evolution, bacterial metabolism and metabolic network modeling, microbial infections and
antibiotics.
Specific job descriptions
1) Development of experimental in vitro infection models (incl biofilms): Bacterial growth in
human airways is associated with specific nutrient utilization and stress imposed by the
immune system and frequent treatment with antibiotics. These conditions will be established
through development of in vitro model systems involving artificial sputum medium (ASM)
conditioned by stress factors such as active oxygen and nitrogen species and various
concentrations of antibiotics. Such in vitro model systems will be employed throughout the
entire research group.
2) Antibiotic resistance and clinical microbiology: The project seeks to understand antibiotic
treatment failure in the early stages of infection, where the infecting bacteria are still
susceptible to antibiotics. Resistance and tolerance to antibiotics will be determined
employing in vitro infection models. Genetic changes behind resistance development will be
identified from the relevant full-genome sequences and genome engineering.
3) Adaptive evolution, diversity and bioinformatics: Based on our data base comprising more
than 500 full-genome sequences of early infecting bacterial strains the major adaptive genetic
changes will be identified through genome engineering and fitness determinations in vitro.
Clonal diversity in airway samples will be determined and differences in phenotypic traits will
be correlated with the compartmentalization in the airways. The impacts of the nutritional and
stress associated conditions in the airways on adaptive evolution of the bacterial population
will be investigated.
4) Regulatory and metabolic rewiring: The immediate regulatory and metabolic responses of
the bacteria after the migration from one environment to another will be characterized.
Changes in both central and peripheral metabolism have been linked to differing responses to
antibiotics and in vivo stressors. In a further characterization the phenotypic consequences of
accumulated mutations in regulatory and metabolically important genes will be described in
order to identify regulatory mechanisms and adaptive mutations securing bacterial
persistence in the new environment. Goals include identification of metabolic biomarkers of
adaptive states to inform clinicians in relation to treatment decisions. Finally, links between
the stress responses, the redox balance in the cells and the activities of central metabolism
will be identified.
Required qualifications
Candidates should possess a PhD degree, or equivalent, in medicine, chemical or
biochemical engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another relevant
field, and additionally fulfill the following:



Exhibit strong data analysis and interpretation skills
Be effective at working in a team
Be able to communicate orally and in writing at an advanced level in English
Moreover, the successful candidates will be experienced in one or more of the following:
 Have extensive knowledge in areas of microbial physiology, molecular microbiology,


synthetic biology, biomedicine and medical microbiology, or systems biology incl.
genome-scale modeling of metabolism and other relevant features of microbial life
Have strong molecular biology skills, including experience with genome engineering
and molecular cloning
Preferred candidates will additionally have experience in one or more of the following:
functional genomics (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, etc.), microbial cell
culturing/fermentation, protein expression and mutagenesis, adaptive laboratory
evolution, analytical chemistry, biochemical/cell assay development, next generation
sequencing technologies, and biological systems modeling.
We offer
We offer a highly dynamic environment developed for translational research in several
directions including microbiology, biotechnology and medicine. The research is to a large
extent organized as teamwork with elements from basic life science and clinical microbiology.
In the last 3-4 years a unique collection of fully genome sequenced bacterial isolates from
patients with persistent airway infections has constituted a central data base from which
important information can support experimental research aimed at identifying steps in the
development of the infections.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreements with the relevant professional
associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.
The period of employment is two years (preferably to begin January 2016).
The place of work will be the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU
Biosustain) at Kogle Allé 6, Hørsholm and/or Department of Clinical Microbiology,
Rigshospitalet, Juliane Maries Vej 22, Copenhagen Ø.
Positions 1, 3 and 4 will be affiliated with DTU (Søren Molin) and position 2 will be affiliated
with Rigshospitalet (Helle Krogh Johansen).
Further information
Further information can be requested from Professor Søren Molin, sm@bio.dtu.dk,
tel. +45 2031 8210 or Consultant (overlæge) DMSc Helle Krogh Johansen,
hkj@biosustain.dtu.dk, tel. +45 3122 8406.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than December 1, 2015. Applications must be
submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please
open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials
in English in one PDF file. The file must include:



Application (cover letter - explaining the applicant’s background and reasons for applying)
Maximum 2-page curriculum vitae
Diploma (an official translation into English)

List of publications
Letters of recommendation may be included at the end of the application or sent directly from
the referee.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic
background are encouraged to apply.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability is an international research center
at the Technical University of Denmark funded by a grant of 1.1 billion DKK from the Novo
Nordisk Foundation. The Center conducts research in metabolic engineering of cell factories,
in silico systems biology and bioinformatics with the purpose of developing new processes
and technologies that can support a more sustainable bio-based production of valuable
chemicals in the future. The Center brings together some of the world's leading researchers in
the field and possesses the advanced equipment and facilities required for achieving its
ambitious research goals. Impact on society by innovation has a high priority and the Center
collaborates worldwide with biotech companies and chemical industries to facilitate the
dissemination and exploitation of its results. Additional information can be found
at www.biosustain.dtu.dk.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation
and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative
solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to
address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic
university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
The Capital Region of Denmark is the largest region in the country, with a population of 1.7
million, annual budget of DKK 37 billion and a labour force of around 36,000. The Capital
Region of Denmark is responsible for hospitals, medical practices, psychiatry, and facilities
for the handicapped and regional development. The Region is managed by the 41 politicians
elected by popular vote who make up the regional council, with its headquarters in Hillerød.
For the Capital Region of Denmark, diversity is a strength and all members of society are
encouraged to apply for the position.
For more information, go to www.regionh.dk
Short version
Research postdoc fellowships in infection microbiology at the Technical University of
Denmark (DTU) and Rigshospitalet (RH), Copenhagen
We are searching for 4 talented postdoctoral researchers to the ‘Infection Microbiology Group’
jointly hosted by Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (CfB), DTU, and
Department of Clinical Microbiology, RH.
Job descriptions
The postdoctoral positions will focus on 1) antibiotic resistance and clinical microbiology, 2)
development of experimental in vitro infection models (incl. biofilms), 3) adaptive evolution,
diversity and bioinformatics, and 4) regulatory and metabolic rewiring. All projects lie within a
framework of human infections and anti-microbial therapy. Further descriptions of the
positions can be found on the following home pages:
DTU: http://www.dtu.dk/Job
Positions 1, 3 and 4 will be affiliated with DTU and position 2 will be affiliated with
Rigshospitalet.
Required qualifications
Candidates should possess a PhD degree or equivalent in medicine, chemical or biochemical
engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or another relevant field, and
additionally fulfill the following:
 Exhibit strong data analysis and interpretation skills
 Be effective at working in a team
 Be able to communicate orally and in writing at an advanced level in English
Application
Please submit your online application no later than December 1, 2015. Applications must be
submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please
open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials
in English in one PDF file.