Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, invites applications for a position as postdoc of Mathematical Modelling of Bacterial Growth.

The position is available from September 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The position as postdoc is limited to a period of 2.5 years.

You will become part of a research group where we care for each other and make a deed of everyone thriving both individually and in the group. You will work in the research group of Professor Johnny T. Ottesen in close collaboration with associate professor Morten Andersen (mathematics) and associated professor Fatima AlZahra’a Alatraktchi (biology) and her group in microbiology. Quorum sensing is a mechanism of communication between bacteria used to coordinate synchronized cooperative behaviour at a population level. This project is about which mechanisms controls the progression of the bacterial community and to understand why this may drive the community in different directions. Despite the mathematical focus the Postdoc will be strongly interdisciplinary including close collaboration with biologists. 

The postdoc’s work will include research within mathematical modelling related to bacterial growth. In addition, a certain amount of teaching is also required. 

The ideal candidate is expected to

• Develop mechanisms-based mathematical models of interacting bacterial based, analyze these models, estimate system parameters, and validate the models on data delivered from our collaborators,
• Be dedicated to mathematics and its applications in biology,
• Work independently and can follow guidelines from your supervisor,
• Be able to think out-of-the-box and help developing new ways to overcome challenges in the research,
• Mentor younger students within the focus of the research project or contribute to undergraduate teaching.

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent within mathematic biology, applied mathematics, or similar. Qualifications within the following scientific areas are required:

• Possess solid skill in dynamical system theory of mathematics and mechanisms-based modelling
• Be familiar with Bayesian inference methods for estimating parameters in models of dynamical systems
• Knowledge about stochastic method in modelling will be an advantage
• Possess a strong interest in biology and applied mathematics
• Must be familiar with advanced programming e.g. in Python, Julia, Matlab
• Have excellent written and oral English language communication skills 
• Highly organized with strong attention to details and a focus on quality results. 

The ideal candidate shall be enterprising and possess good communication skills, be visible and involved in the department’s daily activities, in addition to being willing to engage in disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across the department.

Place of employment is Roskilde University, within the Department of Science and Environment

The position is formally anchored in the section for Mathematics & Physics (IMFUFA) currently consisting of 18 professors/associate professors/assistant professors, as well as a varying number of PhD-students, Postdocs, technical staff, etc.

Applicants seeking further information for the postdoc are invited to contact:

PI Professor Johnny T Ottesen, 
Johnny@ruc.dk or (+45) 2494 3000

Head of Department Susanne Sørensen
susa@ruc.dk  or (+45) 4674-2111 / (+45) 6195-1197.

Or visit: 

www.ruc.dk/en/job/

To apply for the position go to www.ruc.dk/en/job/ 

Application deadline is 3 August 2025. Only applications in English are accepted.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.