Assistant Professor in Plant Immunity

Københavns Universitet; København; On-site; DKK 550,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Copenhagen invites applications for a 3-year externally funded Assistant Professor (non-tenure track) to advance our understanding of plant immunity and membrane trafficking. The successful candidate will conduct high-impact research, publish findings, and contribute to research-based teaching with associated examination obligations.

Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching experience and pedagogical training will be considered.

Qualifications

• Documented internationally competitive research is required.
• Ability to attract external funding will be considered.
• Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in plant immunity and membrane trafficking.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and engage in scientific communication.
• Carry out research-based teaching with associated examination obligations; perform limited additional duties.

Skills

Research

Scientific communication

Teaching planning

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Plants have a highly complex immune system where recognition of pathogens activates signalling cascades to trigger immune responses. Using the powdery mildew fungus, we have uncovered that membrane trafficking processes in the plant cell are essential for building immune structures at the site of invasion. Meanwhile, pathogens secrete effector proteins that target and counteract these immune responses.

We are looking for a highly dedicated and enthusiastic candidate for a 3-year externally funded position as Assistant Professor (non-tenure track). The available position aims to generate more insight in plant immunity processes to allow us to exploit them in sustainable disease control. We have previously identified powdery mildew fungal effectors interfering with the immunity-associated membrane trafficking and a project has been designed to study this targeting in detail. These studies will uncover how effectors block plant pathways important for pathogenesis, and potentially identify residues in plant proteins essential for this interaction, which can then be targeted for crop improvement.

The assistant professor’s duties will primarily include research, including obligations with regard to publication/scientific communication and research-based teaching with associated examination obligations within plant immunity. To a limited extent this may also include performance of other duties.

Assessment of applicants will primarily consider their level of documented, internationally competitive research. The ability to attract external funding will be considered together with outreach qualifications. Teaching qualifications are not mandatory, but documented teaching qualifications and teaching experience will be considered.

General criteria apply to the appointment of Assistant Professors at the University of Copenhagen. The criteria (research, teaching, Innovation & societal impact, organizational contribution and leadership) are considered as a framework for an overall assessment of the applicant. In addition, each applicant will be assessed according to the specific requirements listed in this advertisement.

For Assistant professors: https://jobportal.ku.dk/videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-videnskabelige-stillinger/kriterier-for-meritering-maj-2026/5a_Criteria_for_recognising_merit_-Assistant_professors.pdf
Applicants are encouraged to read the University of Copenhagen's Guidance on the merit criterion Innovation and Societal Impact here

The position is open from 1 November 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.

Please include

• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• If available, description and documentation of teaching and supervision experience and qualifications - please describe and document:
  • Experience with supervision of BSc and MSc students
  • Teaching experience
  • Formal pedagogical training
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 14 September 2026 , 23:59 GMT +2.

Interviews/trial lectures will be held in week 40 and 41