Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as postdoc of Mathematical Modelling of Bacterial Growth from September 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position as postdoc is limited to a period of 2.5 years.

You will become part of a research group where we care for each other and make a deed of everyone thriving both individually and in the group. You will work in the research group of Professor Johnny T. Ottesen in close collaboration with associate professor Morten Andersen (mathematics) and associated professor Fatima AlZahra’a Alatraktchi (biology) and her group in microbiology. Quorum sensing is a mechanism of communication between bacteria used to coordinate synchronized cooperative behaviour at a population level. This project is about which mechanisms controls the progression of the bacterial community and to understand why this may drive the community in different directions. Despite the mathematical focus the Postdoc will be strongly interdisciplinary including close collaboration with biologists. Roskilde University is located close to Copenhagen with good train connections (30 min. from CPH central station). Read more in Danish at https://ruc.dk/nyheder/forskere-vil-fremme-forstaaelsen-af-bakteriel-adfaerd.

About the department
The department of Science and Environment is one of four departments at Roskilde University. The Department conducts basic and applied research within mathematics, medical biology, physics, molecular biology, environmental sciences, and chemistry. Bachelor and Master programs are offered within these areas.

About the Mathematics at the department
Mathematics at Roskilde University is broad enough to guarantee a general research-based education in mathematics but focused enough to ensure a strong international research profile with a strong emphasis on unique core activities of relevance for society. Mathematics has a strong focus on developing and applying mathematical models based on dynamical system theory within health and medicine as well as in green and clean technology.

About the Molecular & Medical Biology at the department
which will be a close collaborator and co-supervising you: The Molecular & Medical Biology Section conducts research in basic and translational science of molecular biology and biomedical problems. Common to all activities is an interest in cellular signalling pathways affecting cell appearance, metabolism and behaviour.

The position is formally anchored in the section for Mathematics & Physics (IMFUFA)
currently consisting of 18 professors/associate professors/assistant professors, as well as a varying number of PhD-students, Postdocs, technical staff, etc. The research focus within the mathematics group is mainly on mathematical modelling of biological and physical systems with an emphasis on applying and developing dynamical system theory. Read more about the section at https://ruc.dk/en/research-group/mathematics-and-physics-imfufa.

Responsibilities and tasks
The postdoc’s work will include research within mathematical modelling related to bacterial growth. In addition, a certain amount of teaching is also required.

The ideal candidate is expected to

• develop mechanisms-based mathematical models of interacting bacterial based, analyze these models, estimate system parameters, and validate the models on data delivered from our collaborators,
• be dedicated to mathematics and its applications in biology,
• work independently and can follow guidelines from your supervisor,
• be able to think out-of-the-box and help developing new ways to overcome challenges in the research,
• mentor younger students within the focus of the research project or contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within mathematic biology, applied mathematics, or similar. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

• possess solid skill in dynamical system theory of mathematics and mechanisms-based modelling,
• be familiar with Bayesian inference methods for estimating parameters in models of dynamical systems,
• knowledge about stochastic method in modelling will be an advantage,
• possess a strong interest in biology and applied mathematics,
• must be familiar with advanced programming e.g. in Python, Julia, Matlab,
• have excellent written and oral English language communication skills,
• highly organized with strong attention to details and a focus on quality results.

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Assessment
In the assessment of the candidates consideration will be given to:

• scientific production and research prospective,
• the ability to promote and utilize research results,
• experience in teaching and education,
• ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation,
• ability to be find creative ways of solving challenges,
• eagerness to gain knowledge in new fields.

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact PI Professor Johnny T. Ottesen, email: Johnny@ruc.dk or on tel. (+45) 2494 3000, or Head of Department Susanne Sørensen email: susa@ruc.dk or on tel (+45) 4674-2111 / (+45) 6195-1197.

Terms of employment
The employment is on full time (37 hours per week) and you will refer to Professor Johnny T. Ottesen.

The position will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities.

Application procedure
After the deadline for applications the Dean will shortlist applicants for assessment with assistance from the recruitment committee including the chairperson of the assessment committee. Shortly after the application deadline all applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been selected for assessment.

The shortlisted applicants will be informed about the composition of the assessment committee, and each applicant will be given the opportunity to comment on the composition of the committee and - later on - their assessment.

Once the recruitment process is completed, all applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.

Application

To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/

Only applications in English are accepted.

Applications must include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Documentation of education
• A complete list of publications
• A maximum of 5 relevant scientific works that you want included in the assessment
  If any of the publications that you want included in the assessment are the result of a joint effort, the extent and the nature of your contribution to each individual work must then be clarified in a co-author statement
• (find template here).