PhD Fellowship in Biofilm-Phage Interactions at University of Copenhagen
This PhD scholarship is associated with the project “How multispecies biofilms cope with phage infections – COPE” founded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.The overall aim of the project is to uncover fundamental principles of bacteria-bacteriophage (phage) interactions in complex multispecies biofilm settings. With a catalogue of different bacteria and associated phages, the objective is to systematically unravel parameters associated with phage susceptibility in biofilm settings. A substantial part of the project will be studying how phage susceptibility of biofilm bacteria is impacted by spatial organisation, community density and spatiotemporal expression of receptors. Analyses will include assessment of gene expression (promoter fusions, maleimide- and immunostaining etc.) and community composition (chromosomal tags) by quantification of fluorescent protein expression in biofilms using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis.
The main tasks of this PhD project are 1) to establish and visualize different multispecies biofilm communities before and after exposure to different phages, to analyse effects of spatial organisation and density on bacterial susceptibility to respective phages. This work will include collaboration with experts experienced in modelling of interactions based on experimental data. 2) to genetically modify model organisms for quantitative expression analysis of relevant phage receptors in time and space with different combinations of bacteria and phages. 3) to genetically engineer mutant strains, not expressing selected biofilm matrix components, to assess the capability of different phages to attach to different receptors according to matrix composition in biofilm settings.
The position is for 3 years, and the project will be carried out at Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen where you will engage in teamwork within the group and with national and international collaborators.
The position is to be filled by 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.
The principal supervisor is Professor Mette Burmølle, PhD, Section of Microbiology, Department of Biology.
The PhD programme
A three-year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. [Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology or similar]. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .
Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious researcher with strong experience in biofilm microbiology and bacterial interactions. Applicants should have the following qualifications:
- M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology or equivalent
- Experience with genetic engineering of bacteria and fluorescence-based reporter systems.
- Experience with cultivation and analysis of bacteria and bacteriophages
- Experience with use of in vitro biofilm models
- Experience with confocal microscopy and image analysis of bacterial communities
- Experience with comparative genomics of bacterial and/or phage genomes
- Fluency in English
Main tasks of the appointed applicant
- Establishment of multispecies biofilm communities for studies of bacteria-phage interactions
- Genetic engineering of bacterial model strains
- Visual image analysis of spatial community structure using confocal microscopy
Terms of employment
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
If you consider applying from abroad, you may find useful information on how it is to work in Denmark and at UCPH in this links: http://ism.ku.dk , https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-us/frontpage.htm and https://www.workindenmark.dk/ .
General information about PhD programmes at SCIENCE is available at https://www.science.ku.dk/phd .
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 1 October 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.
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 deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Contact and inquiries
Professor Mette Burmølle, PhD: burmolleholtwilliamsosamatthewcurtisbennett@daniels-grant.dkbio.ku.dkcolon.dk