PhD position in the interdisciplinary project "Better Hydrogen Peroxide Sensors for Studying Bacterial Infections and Immune Responses"

A PhD scholarship is available from January 1st, 2016 (or shortly thereafter) at the Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. The Marine Biological Section is an international research unit with 85 students and employees that is located in both Copenhagen and in Helsingør. Your main workplace will be in Helsingør, but with frequent interactions and collaboration with project partners at the Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

Project area

The PhD position is part of a large collaborative project entitled “Better Hydrogen Peroxide Sensors for Studying Bacterial Infections and Immune Responses” funded by the Danish Research Council for Independent Research (DFF-FTP). The project aim is to develop and apply new experimental tools for optical sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) Currently, optical H2O2 detection in biomedical and biological sciences is limited to use of optical indicators that react irreversibly with peroxide and thus mainly show where H2O2 has been present prior to detection. Quantification of H2O2 concentration and dynamics is in most cases not possible by such means. The project combines strong expertise in fiber-optic microsensors, optical sensor and polymer chemistry for the development of better optical H2O2 sensors. The new sensors will be applied in biomedical studies of chronic infections, where H2O2 is a central component in the battle between pathogenic bacteria and the host immune system. The project is a joint venture of the Department of Biology (University of Copenhagen), DTU Nanotech and the Department of Clinical Microbiology (Rigshospitalet). Extensive exchange between the three institutions is an essential part of the project.



Qualifications

We are seeking candidates that hold a masters degree and are trained in biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry, nanoscience, materials science or other technical disciplines relevant for the development and fabrication of optical chemical sensors. Applicants should have an interest in cross-disciplinary research and should be able to document a strong academic track record. Previous experience with optical chemical sensing and/or development and characterization of optical sensor systems will be regarded as strong assets.



Application

Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically by using the link below including:

• A letter of motivation for the application with statement of research interests (max 1 page)
• A curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of Bachelor and Masters Diplomas and transcripts - other relevant certificates, including grades
• A short abstract of the M.Sc. thesis or equivalent
• Contact details of at least two persons for references

Procedures

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. 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 himself/herself.



The final selection of successful candidates will be made by the Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee. Successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school of the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. For more information see: http://www.science.ku.dk/english/research/phd 



Terms of salary and employment

Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 306,667 (April 2015 level) plus pension contribution, with the possibility of salary negotiation. 



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



The deadline for application is November 20, 2015

Further information about the PhD position can be obtained from Prof. Michael Kühl; mkuhl@bio.ku.dk.**Please do not post your application to this address**