We are offering a postdoc position in antipathogenic drug 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 The overall aim of the research project is to develop chemical compounds that inhibit production of toxins in
Staphylococcus aureus and impede the pathogenic effects of the bacterium in atopic dermatitis (AD).
AD is an inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 5% of adults and 20% of children worldwide. The skin of individuals with AD is often colonized with the bacterium
S. aureus that produces toxins which induce inflammation resulting in exacerbation of the disease. The research project is aimed at investigating the effect of chemical compounds that inhibit the production of toxins in
S. aureus. We will investigate the ability of the compounds to prevent
S. aureus bacteria from inducing a TH2-promoting cytokine release from primary human keratinocytes and T-cells. Moreover, we will investigate if the toxin inhibitors can prevent
S. aureus from inducing atopic dermatitis symptoms in a murine AD model. To initiate toxicity testing, we will investigate if the toxin inhibitors induce any adverse effects in ex vivo skin.
Principal investigators are
Tim Tolker-Nielsen, Niels Ødum and Terkild Brink Buus at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. E-mail: ttn@sund.ku.dk
Project Start: 1st August 2026
Duration: 2 years and 7 months
Job description Your key tasks as postdoc are to:
- Carry out a research project under mentorship of the group leaders.
- 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 that have worked with bacteria, keratinocytes, T-cells and mouse infection models 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 microbiology and immunology.
- A wish to work as part of a team.
- English language skills.
Place of employment The place of employment is the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the 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 and 7 months.
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.
Questions For 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:
1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. two pages)
3. Teaching experience
4. A certified/signed copy of
a) PhD certificate and
b) MSc certificate.
5. 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.