Assistant Professor of Molecular epidemiology and malaria genomics Full-time NEW

Assistant Professor Position

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic assistant professor with strong expertise in molecular epidemiology of malaria and laboratory-based research for a 4-year position to start August 1st, 2026. The position will focus on molecular surveillance of malaria parasites, including drug resistance markers and parasite diversity, combined with capacity strengthening and implementation of laboratory methods in partner institutions in Africa.

Our research

Our research group works within molecular epidemiology, global health, and infectious disease research, with a strong focus on malaria. We apply advanced molecular tools, including high-throughput targeted sequencing and PCR-based methods, to study parasite population dynamics, transmission, and the emergence of drug resistance.

We are an interdisciplinary and international team with strong collaborations across Africa and Europe, including long-standing partnerships in Tanzania, Somaliland and Burkina Faso, and other endemic settings. We emphasize teamwork, inclusivity, and capacity development, and we actively contribute to strengthening laboratory and research environments through training, supervision, and institutional collaboration.

Your job

We aim to generate high-quality evidence to support malaria control and elimination strategies, with a particular focus on molecular surveillance and resistance monitoring.

Your tasks will include leading and contributing to research projects on infectious diseases including malaria using molecular methods such as Illumina-based sequencing, PCR, and qPCR, as well as supporting implementation of laboratory workflows and training in partner institutions. You will play a key role in supervision of PhD and MSc students and contribute to ongoing international research collaborations and projects.

The assistant professor's responsibilities will primarily consist of:

• research, including publication/academic dissemination duties
• research-based teaching
• sharing knowledge with society
• participation in applying for research funds
• 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.

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 molecular biology, molecular epidemiology, infectious diseases, or a related field

• You have extensive experience with molecular laboratory techniques, including Illumina sequencing

(e.g. MiSeq), PCR, and qPCR

• You have documented experience co-leading research projects working with infectious diseases

including molecular markers of drug resistance

• You have experience with study design, laboratory workflows, and data generation in international

research projects

• You have experience with supervision of students (MSc and/or PhD level)

• You have strong collaborative skills and experience working in international and interdisciplinary

research environments

• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data
• Experience working with field samples from malaria-endemic settings
• Experience with capacity development, training, and laboratory strengthening
• Experience with procurement and establishment of laboratory systems
• Experience with project management and coordination of international collaborations
• Experience with external funding applications

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 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 advanced sequencing platforms.

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 4 years. The start date is August 1st, 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 39,200 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay 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 2020.

Questions

For further information please contact Michael Alifrangis micali@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: 14 May 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 https://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 wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.