Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM)
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

The university seeks to appoint an associate professor to the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM) to commence on 1 May 2021. The position is fixed-term for three years.

Information on the Department can be found at: https://sund.ku.dk/.  

Job description

The research in the team is focused on the molecular characterization of the host-parasite interaction mediated by the PfEMP1 and RIFIN proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The aim is to understand the importance of theses interaction for malaria pathogenesis and immunity and to design a vaccines or adjunct therapy that target and disrupt PfEMP1 and RIFIN functions. The methods used could include real-time quantitative RT-PCR, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, genetic engineering, protein expression, binding inhibition assays, multiplex analysis (Luminex), animal immunizations, culturing and manipulations of malaria parasites as well as field work in Tanzania. In addition to laboratory-based research in Copenhagen and Tanzania, the associate professor is expected to facilitate and supervise clinical placements for final year medical students from University of Copenhagen at hospitals in Tanga region, Tanzania. The clinical exposure is part of the course “International Study Exposure – Health Provision in Tropical Africa” under the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (https://kurser.ku.dk/course/smea15075u). This task will require regular trips and placements in Tanzania. Furthermore, the associate professor is expected to participate in the team’s laboratory training of junior scientists, in our pre- and postgraduate teaching duties, and in our on-going efforts to procure additional funding, as well as participating in the Building Stronger Universities programme at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (Moshi, Tanzania). 

The associate professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• Research, including publication/academic dissemination
• Research-based teaching, including associated examination
• Research leadership, including guidance and supervision of researchers
• Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate
• Academic assessments

Required qualifications

Six overall criteria apply for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criteria here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, each applicant must be able to document:

• Research qualifications at the level that can be achieved by satisfactorily completing a period of employment as an assistant professor/postdoc, but may also be obtained in other ways
• Teaching qualifications and pedagogical competencies
• Research-based teaching

The associate professor is also required to possess good interpersonal and communicative skills.

Terms of employment

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organisations.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions

For further information, please contact Professor Thor Theander, thor@sund.ku.dk.

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: https://www.ism.ku.dk/ (International Staff Mobility).

Application

The application must be submitted in English and must include the following documents:

• Application, including motivations for applying for this position (Maximum 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae, including information about external funding
• Diplomas (Master’s, PhD, and other relevant certificates)
• A complete list of publications
• Research plan (3‐5 pages)
• Uploads of maximum 5 publications to be considered in the assessment
• Teaching plan
• Teaching portfolio (Guidelines: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/job-application-portfolio)

Application procedure

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee.  All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The Dean then appoints an expert assessment committee in order to make an assessment of the selected applicants for the specific post. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and 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://jobportal.ku.dk/.

Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position.

Please submit the application with the required attachments. The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. CET, Monday, 19 October 2020.

Interviews for this position are likely to be held on Tuesday, 19 January 2021.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.