160905 Associate Professor of Molecular Parasitology and International Health

Associate Professor of Molecular Parasitology and International Health
Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM)

Centre for translational Medicine and Parasitology (CMP)

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

The University seeks to appoint an associate professor to the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for translational Medicine and Parasitology (CMP) to commence on 1 May 2024.

Information on the Department and the Tanzania team at CMP can be found at: https://sund.ku.dk/ and https://cmp.ku.dk/research/teamtanzania/ .

Job description

The research in the team is focused on the epidemiology and clinical aspects of vector-borne diseases, in particular malaria infections caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This includes research in the distribution and abundance of disease vectors (Anopheles and Aedes) and the risk of transmitted diseases (malaria and arboviruses), malaria infection and nutrition status during pregnancy and the effect on pregnancy outcome; in a context of climate change. Molecular characterization of the host-parasite interaction mediated by the PfEMP1 proteins of the P. falciparum is also part of the research. The aim is to understand the importance of theses interaction for malaria pathogenesis and immunity and to design a vaccine or adjunct therapy that target and disrupt PfEMP1 functions.

The research is in close collaboration with the DRUGS and the DISCOVERY teams, and biological samples collected in Tanzania and Somaliland are being investigated in the laboratory facilities locally in Tanzania and Somaliland and at CMP to answer the team’s and collaborators research questions. The methods used could include real-time quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA, next generation sequencing, bioinformatics, flow cytometry, binding inhibition assays, multiplex analysis (Luminex), animal immunizations, culturing and manipulations of malaria parasites and extensive field work in Tanzania.

In addition to laboratory-based research in Copenhagen and East Africa, the Associate Professor is expected to coordinate and facilitate the yearly 3-week Summer Course in International Health https://healthsciences.ku.dk/education/summercourses/international-health/ offered by ISIM for health professionals such as medical doctors, midwifes and nurses, and medical students. The Associate Professor is also expected to facilitate and supervise clinical placements for final year medical students from the University of Copenhagen at hospitals in Tanga region, Tanzania. The 8-week clinical placement is part of the course “International Study Exposure – Health Provision in Tropical Africa” also offered by ISIM (https://kurser.ku.dk/course/smea15075u/2017-2018). This task will require regular trips and placements in Tanzania.   

Furthermore, the Associate Professor is expected to supervise PhD students, participate in the team’s training and mentoring of junior scientists, in our pre- and postgraduate teaching duties, and to procure additional funding. The Associate Professor is also expected to participate in research capacity building in the Building Stronger Universities programme at University of Hargeisa (Somaliland) with focus on vector-borne diseases with travels to Somaliland.

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 criterion 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
The position is a permanent position.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation 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 about CMP and ISIM  please contact Head of department Charlotte M. Bonefeld, [email protected]  and https://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 the 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, 7 February 2024

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.