Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of P. falciparum Malari

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor for research on cellular and molecular mechanisms of P. falciparum malaria pathogenesis and immunity. The employment period is 1 year beginning 1st of September 2026.

The research project aims to elucidate and model how malaria parasite-infected erythrocytes attach and modulate host cells in order to avert immune recognition and attack, as well as to study mechanisms of natural acquired immunity to malaria and conduct tests of novel vaccine strategies designed to prevent malaria pathogenesis.

Information on the department can be found at: https://cmp.ku.dk/

Our research

Our research focuses on the molecular characterization of host–parasite interactions mediated by the parasite’s variable antigens expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes. We aim to understand how these proteins interact directly with endothelial and immune cell receptors, and how these interactions contribute to malaria pathogenesis and the development of protective immunity. Building on these insights, and studies of naturally acquired immunity, we seek to inform the design of next-generation vaccines and adjunct therapies against malaria.

We work closely with other teams at our research centre and are embedded in a strong international network of collaborators spanning multiple scientific disciplines. Our research environment is highly interdisciplinary and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research culture, where different perspectives, backgrounds, and career stages are valued as key drivers of scientific innovation.

Your job

You will contribute to advancing our understanding of host–parasite interactions in malaria, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes.

Your tasks will include the development and application of cellular and biophysical assays to dissect and model the adhesion of infected erythrocytes to endothelial and immune cells. You will also contribute to the design and evaluation of novel prototype vaccines targeting variant surface antigens (PfEMP1) associated with severe malaria in children and during pregnancy.

You are encouraged to develop your own independent research ideas within the overall framework of understanding direct host–pathogen interactions in malaria. The position offers strong opportunities for scientific independence, collaboration, and career development.

The project involves close collaboration with other research teams at our centre, as well as with national and international partners. You will also be expected to contribute to the supervision and mentoring of laboratory technicians and MSc and PhD students.

The assistant professor’s responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in formal pedagogical training programme for assistant professors

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant 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, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in pathogenesis and immunology of infectious diseases, preferably with a focus on malaria or a closely related field.
• You are highly experienced in studies of Plasmodium falciparum biology, malaria pathogenesis, and/or malaria immunity.
• You have an active interest in research on infectious pathogens, preferably P. falciparum.
• You have teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, particularly in cell culture techniques, including purification and co-culture assay systems for P. falciparum.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience in handling and maintaining human and/or mouse-derived cell lines.
• Expertise in developing, optimizing, and interpreting immunological assays.
• Experience with the development and preclinical testing of malaria vaccine candidates.
• Experience in the collection, processing, and handling of human blood samples.
• Knowledge of, and interest in, CRISPR-Cas–based genetic modification of malaria parasites

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to excellent core facilities for molecular, cellular and animal studies.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 1 year. The start date is 1st September 2026.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will be an additional 18,07% to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions

For further information please contact Thomas Lavstsen thomasl@sund.ku.dk; www.sund.ku.dk

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

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications
5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: 26 April 2026, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed 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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

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 wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.