Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (IVH) wishes to appoint a postdoc in the area of Nutritional Immunology and Parasitology for two years. The position is available from 1 May 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter.
Project description
The effect of diet on immune function and gut health is of increasing relevance due to rising antimicrobial resistance in livestock production as well as increasing prevalence of chronic inflammation and diet-related disorders in humans. We have found that certain dietary components may reduce inflammation and modulate immune function during infection with gastrointestinal parasites (for more information see
https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/about_parasitology_and_aquatic_diseases/pigh/). Here, we will purify bioactive plant compounds and test their activity in in vitro cell culture models of inflammation, and in mouse and pig models of gastrointestinal infection with parasites.
Project organization
The project involves collaborators in the USA and Canada. The successful candidate will be a member of the Parasites, Immunology and Gut Health group at IVH.
https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/about_parasitology_and_aquatic_diseases/pigh/ Job description
The postdoc will plan and conduct experiments to test immune-modulating activity and conduct mechanistic experiments relating to a number of bioactive compounds. Subsequently, studies will be carried out in mice to test these effects in vivo, as well as effects on the gut microbiota and metabolome. The postdoc will be required to spend periods of time (up to 4-5 months) at collaborating labs in Wisconsin, USA and Quebec, Canada. Other travel for meetings and conferences may be required. The postdoc will also contribute to some pre- and post-graduate teaching within the section.
Essential criteria for the assessment of candidates
The candidate should have:
• PhD degree (or equivalent documented qualifications) in a relevant field e.g. Biology, Biotechnology, Veterinary or Animal science, Parasitology, Biochemistry/Immunology, or other related field
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience and/or interest in working with experimental animals
• Documented laboratory experience within a relevant field
Qualification requirements
Applicants possessing some of the following professional and personal qualifications will be highly advantaged:
• Experience with cell-based assays, standard immunology and/or molecular biology techniques
• Knowledge of HPLC-MS and/or metabolomics
• Experience in working with mouse models
• Experience within experimental nutrition, parasitology or microbiology
• Excellent communication skills
• Well-developed collaborative skills and a team player
Questions
For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Andrew R Williams by phone (+45-31383122 ) or email (
[email protected]).
Foreign applicants may find the following links useful:
www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility) and
www.workingconditions.ku.dk Application
The application must be written in English and include the following appendices:
• Cover letter, stating your motivation and background for applying for the position.
• Appendix 1: curriculum vitae with documentation of education including undergraduate and PhD diplomas.
• Appendix 2: a complete list of publications.
• Appendix 3: Contact details for 2-3 references.
For further information and to submit an application, please visit
https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/?show=148860 Please submit the application with the required attachments by clicking on "Apply online". Only online applications will be accepted. The closing date for applications is 23.59 p.m. 1st March 2019