Associate Professor of Neurovascular Barriers in Skin Disorders and Infecti

at  Kbenhavns Universitet

Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
The University seeks to appoint an associate professor to the Department of Immunology and Microbiology to commence as soon as possible.
Information on the Department can be found at: https://isim.ku.dk/.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Emerging evidence highlights the profound impact of peripheral inflammation on the integrity and function of neural barriers, particularly the blood-brain barrier. Inflammatory signals originating from not only malignant, but benign conditions, have been shown to disrupt the critical homeostatic role of these barriers. This is also evident amongst infectious diseases. This disruption can facilitate the entry of inflammatory mediators and potentially harmful substances into the brain, contributing to a cascade of neurological complications.
Many patients suffering from these illnesses report increased incidences of depression, cognitive dysfunction, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. In contrast, infectious diseases can contribute to life-long neurological sequelae that profoundly affect the patients quality of life. These outcomes suggest a complex interplay between systemic inflammation and central nervous system vulnerability, mediated either in part, or wholly by the compromised function of the blood-brain barrier.
The position will provide the successful candidate with good possibilities both for developing their own research, and to be supported by the existing expertise.
Teaching will be mainly at the master level covering topics related to immune responses to infection. Additionally, the candidate will serve as the course coordinator for the MSc in Human Biology and Immunology and Inflammation.

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 FOR THE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

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.

In addition to the above-requested qualifications, the position requires the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in infectious diseases, parasitology, cell biology, immunology or similar
• Expertise in cellular models in the field
• Upholding the principles of ethical scientific conduct.
• A publication record that includes corresponding author and first author publications of relevance to the position and demonstrates an impact on the scientific field.
• Good collaborative skills and a record of collaborative projects with academic or external stakeholders.
• Documented ability to obtain independent research grants and lead research projects.
• Documented commitment to both teaching and supervising students, as well as interest in developing teaching methods.
• Commitment to and interest in the continued development of existing and new courses

• 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 assessment