Virology-based molecular biologist for diagnostic preparedness

Do you want to work with diagnostics and professional preparedness? Do you have experience with qPCR, ddPCR and virus genetics? Are you motivated by developing analyses that make a difference for public health?

Job content

You will become part of the Section for Virus Preparedness (at the Department of Virology and Microbiological Preparedness), which develops diagnostic and surveillance solutions that translate research into practical use in SSI's routine functions and preparedness. You will develop, optimize and implement molecular biological analyses based on qPCR and ddPCR. The work supports both routine diagnostics, surveillance and preparedness with a focus on rapid diagnostics, robust analysis designs and quality assurance.

Among other things, you will work on the development of diagnostics for new viruses and variants as well as optimization of laboratory workflows. The position also includes research and development projects that strengthen SSI's diagnostic preparedness.

Your primary tasks

• Develop and implement qPCR- and ddPCR- analyses for diagnostics and surveillance – also urgently in connection with current outbreaks.
• Optimize and validate molecular biological workflows, including nucleic acid extraction and automation.
• Develop robust analysis designs and quality assure analyses in relation to sampling, analysis and genetic variation in viruses.
• Develop and implement internal controls, reference materials and standardized analytical methods.
• Conduct research and development projects and contribute to scientific publications and grant applications.

Your background

You have a PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology or a related natural science field and subsequent research or industry experience at the postdoc level or equivalent. You have solid experience with molecular biology method development and independent planning, execution and documentation of advanced laboratory work, including work in BSL-2 laboratories.

We place particular emphasis on the following

• Practical experience with conventional PCR, qPCR (probes and intercalating dye) and ddPCR, including analysis design, optimization and validation.
• Experience with genetic variation within viruses and development of broad family- or genus-targeted diagnostic analyses.
• Experience with sequence analysis and use of bioinformatic tools as well as automation and optimization of laboratory workflows.
• Experience with development and planning of research projects and preparation of grant applications.
• Documented practical experience with experimental design, data analysis and publication of research results in international, peer-reviewed journals.

You must be able to communicate confidently in English, both in writing and orally. The working language in the scientific environment is largely English, but administrative tasks and communication take place in Danish. You must therefore be able to operate in Danish or be prepared to obtain sufficient Danish language skills within a reasonable time after employment.

What your future team is like

Our team consists of two clinical biotechnologists and eleven researchers with varying educational backgrounds and nationalities. Under section leadership we work together in a flat structure where everyone is an equal collaborator. We focus on employee well-being, professional development and internal collaboration.

We offer you

Your skills and commitment contribute to solving our common core task.

SSI is a workplace internationally recognized for solving national and global health challenges. You will become part of an organization with 900 employees, performing meaningful tasks that strengthen human and animal health through research and preparedness.

Our daily life is characterized by a variety of tasks, open doors and broad collaboration with dedicated and skilled colleagues. You will have the opportunity for a flexible everyday life with a good work-life balance, as SSI is a workplace with a 37-hour work week including a lunch break, flexitime agreement and the possibility of remote work depending on tasks and flexible scheduling.

At SSI we have an active staff and sports association (IK-SERA) with group training and exercise facilities, a Friday bar and various social events – and our campus even includes tennis courts and an on-site children’s facility. SSI is centrally located in Copenhagen with green spaces and good public transport options (bus and metro) and free on-site parking.

Does this job sound right for you?

Send us your CV and application. We ask you not to attach a photo to your CV, as we strive for a more inclusive recruitment process with equal opportunities for all our job applicants.

We expect to hold interviews in week 46.

If you have any additional questions about the position or the application process, you can contact Mette Høgh, [email protected]. You can read more about how to apply and the recruitment process at Job at SSI .

Your terms of employment

You will be employed as an Academic staff member under the current agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the Ministry of Finance (AC-agreement).

We look forward to hearing from you.