Postdoc: Bioinformatics & Machine Learning for PFAS Degradation at UCPH

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites applications for a postdoctoral position in microbial bioinformatics and machine learning for protein modelling within PFAS degradation. The position begins 1 November 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a fixed-term position for 14 months.

Our research

The successful candidate will be part of a team working with microbial degradation of PFAS and related aspects. The team is part of Prof. Lars Hestbjerg Hansen’s Environmental Microbial Genomics group at the Section for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, UCPH. The department if located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Role description: Machine learning and prediction of PFAS catabolic enzymes

The bioinformatician postdoc will be employed for 14 months on the project “Solving Microbial Degradation of PFAS” headed by Tenure-track Assist. Prof. Tue Kjærgaard Nielsen. The work is focused on applying machine learning (ML) for prediction of novel enzymes that potentially can be used for degradation of PFAS. The predicted enzymes will be experimentally verified by another person in the lab, using cloning and enzymatic assays. The PFAS biodegradation team is focused on applying microbiology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, metabolomics, and state-of-the-art DNA sequencing to push towards bioremediation technologies for removing PFAS “forever chemicals” from the environment. You will collaborate with Prof. Anders Krogh’s group, Department of Computer Science, UCPH, on applying ML for protein-ligand predictions.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a PhD degree in bioinformatics or similar field. Prior experience with machine learning and protein structure modelling is expected. Experience within microbiology is an advantage but not required. Fluency in written and spoken English are requirements.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within the project as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties, such as supervision of students.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://plen.ku.dk/english/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Assis. Prof. Tue Kjærgaard Nielsen (tknphahnamanda72@plen.ku.dklopez.dkrios.dkdavis-newman.dk).

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Cover letter describing your research interests and how you fit the project
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans (max 2 pages)
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 14 September 2025, 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.