Postdoc in Molecular Microbiology

Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as postdoc in Molecular Microbiology from April 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is limited to a period of 3 years. The project is funded by a grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond, DFF) to Associate Professor Lotte Jelsbak.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in molecular microbiology, bacterial genetics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The research group of Lotte Jelsbak
studies molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and virulence in enteric pathogens (mainly E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium) to uncover novel resistance mechanisms and identify new antimicrobial targets. We employ molecular biology, bacterial genetics, chemical analyses and omics approaches. We have a cross-disciplinary research environment with close collaborations across the department and externally with clinical researchers from hospitals in the region. You can read examples of our relevant research here https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/74/11/3179/5549880 and here: https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/79/4/810/7608751.

We offer a position in a dynamic, interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment with the possibility to grow and develop as an independent researcher in an academic setting.

Responsibilities and tasks
The Postdoc’s work will include research within AMR in E. coli and investigate a novel and widespread mechanism of regulated AMR, termed heteroresistance. A 3-month research visit to Saarland University, Germany is planned for the 3rd year of the position. In addition, a certain amount of teaching is required.

The Postdoc is also expected to

• Lead the project independently with high standards and be a team member in the research group.
• Be innovative and contribute with novel ideas for research progression and participate actively in promoting a dynamic and creative research environment.
• Mentor master thesis students and bachelor students within the focus of the research project.

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated, independent and enthusiastic scientist. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within molecular microbiology or closely related field.

Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

• Genetic engineering and strain construction in bacterial model organisms.
• Genetic and phenotypic screening methods.
• Experience with omics approaches.
• Working with human pathogenic bacteria.
• Molecular studies of AMR mechanisms.
• Data-analysis skills (R-Studio or similar).
• Knowledge of or interest in natural product chemistry and novel antibiotics.

We also expect applicants to have:

• Excellent written and oral English language communication skills.
• Highly organized work-practice with strong attention to details and a focus on quality results.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

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, considerations will be given to:

• Experience and qualifications as stated above.
• Scientific production and research prospective.
• Ability to promote and utilize research results.
• Ability to contribute to development of the department’s internal and external cooperation,

The research group of Lotte Jelsbak is affiliated with the Molecular & Medical Biology (MMB) Section that conducts research in basic and translational science of biomedicine and molecular biology. Common to our activities is an interest in regulatory mechanisms and signalling pathways affecting cellular appearance, metabolism and behaviour. The MMB Section consists of 14 PIs covering a broad spectrum of biological disciplines from molecular microbiology to eukaryotic cell biology, drug-development and developmental biology. The MMB Section is located in a modern laboratory building fully equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including Biosafety level 1 and 2 laboratories, mammalian cell culturing laboratories, confocal microscopes, flow-cytometry, a fully equipped chemical synthesis laboratory and spectroscopic instruments. Read more about the department here: https://ruc.dk/en/department-science-and-environment.

About the department
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. Research and education within the fields takes place in a collaborative and interdisciplinary university environment also spanning collaboration with the other departments covering social sciences and humanities where relevant. The department is organized in four Sections comprising the research and education activities.

Questions
For further information about the postdoc, please contact Associate Professor Lotte Jelsbak via e-mail: [email protected] or on tel. (+45) 46742216. Note: Applications submitted to this e-mail will not be taken into consideration. See below for link to application portal.

Terms of employment
The employment is full time (37 hours per week), and you will refer to Associate Prof. Lotte Jelsbak and Head of Department Susanne Sørensen.

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:

1. Cover letter

2. CV

3. Documentation of education

4. A complete list of publications

5. 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)

Please submit your application no later than December 14th 2025.

Material received after this date will not be taken into consideration.

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

Application deadline: Apply no later than 14. December 2025

Location: Roskilde Universitet