Job Description

A position as Postdoc (full-time) is vacant at the TE Andersen Lab part of the Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark

The position is limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension.

Shape the future of clinical diagnostics

We are seeking an ambitious and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to help establish next-generation Raman spectroscopy technologies for clinical microbiology. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface between optics, artificial intelligence, microbiology and clinical diagnostics in close collaboration with hospitals, industry and international research partners.

Research environment

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Professor Thomas Emil Andersen. The group conducts translational research in microbiology, advanced infection models, spectroscopy and medical technology. We collaborate extensively with Danish and international hospitals, universities and industrial partners, with a strong focus on translating innovative technologies into improved patient care.

The academic position

The job involves research, professional development, research education, research-based teaching, and supervision.

Your responsibilities will consist of the following:

• Lead OUH contributions to the EU- and state-funded projects (Innovation Fund Denmark project nanoRaman, two Eurostars projects MbCare and QMIC, and the MedTech Odense project UriNix).
• Design, plan and execute experimental studies from concept to publication.
• Develop Raman spectroscopy workflows for analysis of clinical samples.
• Apply machine learning and AI for spectral analysis and diagnostic classification.
• Coordinate collaborations across hospitals, academia and industrial partners.
• Build and develop a Raman spectroscopy research platform within the Andersen Lab.
• Supervise students and junior researchers.
• Publishing results in leading international journals and contributing to future grant applications.

Expectations and qualifications

We are looking for candidates holding a PhD in physics, engineering, optics, spectroscopy, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. The candidate may also hold a PhD within health sciences, biology, microbiology or similar but should then also hold significant knowledge and experience within optical sciences, spectroscopy and related data handling.

Essential qualifications:

• Significant knowledge and experience with Raman spectroscopy.
• Experience with optical instrumentation.
• Experience with machine learning and/or AI.
• Experience analysing biological or clinical samples.
• Profound in scientific writing and a solid publication record.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with clinical microbiology or hospital diagnostics.
• Experience in academia–industry collaborations.
• Project coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in multidisciplinary teams.

What we offer

• A unique translational research environment combining engineering and medicine.
• Participation in major externally funded collaborative projects.
• Close interaction with clinicians, engineers and industrial partners.
• Access to state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microbiology facilities.
• Excellent opportunities for scientific publishing, networking and career development.

Research strategy for OUH and the Department of Clinical Research

The joint research strategy for the Department of Clinical Research and Odense University Hospital sets the direction for our shared research efforts in the years ahead. Rooted in the vision - We conduct research together to shape the patient care of the future - it focuses in particular on: cross-disciplinary research - with people at the centre; strong research environments - as drivers of development; and the research journey - from idea to impact. Further information on the joint research strategy of the Department of Clinical Research and Odense University Hospital is available here.

Further information

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Thomas Emil Andersen, e-mail: thandersen@health.sdu.dk, phone: +45 21261634 or Head of Department of Clinical Research, Rikke Leth-Larsen, e-mail: rllarsen@health.sdu.dk, phone: +45 65503477.

Application deadline

August 18, 2026, at 23.59 hrs. (CET).

Salary and terms of employment

The applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The position as Postdoc is placed within salary steps 4–8 of the Danish state salary scale, depending on seniority. In addition, a centrally agreed postdoc allowance is paid, and further qualification- and function-related allowances may be negotiated.

The work location will be at the laboratory of Professor Andersen at the Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsløws Vej 21.1, Odense C, Denmark. The laboratory and department will move to the newly built University Hospital associated with the University of Southern Denmark, in late summer 2027.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “ Apply now” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• a motivation letter
• a detailed CV
• degree certificates (inclusive of Ph.D.-diploma)
• a complete and numbered list of publications
• 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please note that a copy of each publication must be attached as a pdf file.
  • It is permitted to merge copies of the selected publications into a single PDF file.
• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• a research plan detailing the candidate’s ideas and plans for her/his future research work
• An explanation other qualification relevant to the post

For technical issues, please contact: hcm-support@sdu.dk

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application.

Applications received after the deadline and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Assessment

Shortlisting will be used as part of the initial selection process.

Assessment of shortlisted applications will be done under the existing Appointment Order for universities. Shortlisted applications will be assessed by an assessment committee. The committee may request additional information, and, if so, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the necessary material.

When the assessment committee has submitted its report, the applicants will receive part of the evaluation that concerns themselves.

References will be obtained for the preferred candidate from their current and previous employers. Applicants invited for interview should expect to complete a work-related personality assessment.

Living and working in Denmark

Foreign applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment.

The International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.