Assistant Professor of One Health Genomics

We are looking for an expert in genomics for One Health applications with extensive experience in evolutionary modelling for a 1.5 year position as Assistant Professor commencing on the 1st of August 2026.

The position involves highly technical evolutionary modelling of metagenomic samples, as well as extensive reporting. The candidate must therefore also have experience in academic writing of review articles/opinion pieces and outreach.

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

 

Our research

The Section of Health Data Science and AI actively contributes to advancing health data analysis, with a particular emphasis on computational tools for advanced decision making in policy and the clinic. Our research explores the dynamic interactions among genes, pathogens, the environment, and health throughout the life course and across generations. As an Assistant Professor, you would become a member of The Computational and Mathematical Global Health Group, co-led by Professor Samir Bhatt and Associate Professor David Duchene, located at the Department of Public Health of the University of Copenhagen. We are a world-leading group that focuses on a diverse range of topics. We research at the interface of computer science, mathematics, biology, and epidemiology.

 

Your job

The Assistant Professorship will focus on extensive literature analysis and advanced evolutionary modelling of large scale genomic and metagenomic data sets using the latest computational tools. In particular, we wish to advance our understanding of the emergence of microbial novelty in the environment, using the latest methods in genetic and protein evolutionary modelling, as well as extensive literature searches on the use of AI in this area. Data processing will take place using various methods in bioinformatics. The candidate will therefore require strong background knowledge in evolutionary genomics and metagenomics. The primary goal will be to develop advanced models of the emergence of pathogenic novelty in complex microbial environments. To carry out this project the candidate will work at the interface of epidemiology, parasitology, statistics, mathematics, and bioinformatics.

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 Genomics in One Health applications
• You are highly experienced in outreach and review/perspective piece writing
• You have an active interest in mathematical modelling of evolutionary processes
• You have pre- and postgraduate teaching experience within One Health Genomics
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience in grant writing and application
• Knowledge of advanced regression modelling implemented in a Bayesian framework

 

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Section for Health Data Science, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include extensive computing infrastructures and comfortable office spaces.

 

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 1.5 years. The start date is the 15 August 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 2026 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % 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 David A. Duchene; david.duchene@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: 19/06 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.

 

Interviews are expected to be held in week 25.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.