PhD Fellowship in Microbiology
University of Copenhagen
Denmark

Start Date:

1st January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Duration:

3 years as a PhD student

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), launched in December 2023, aims to harness airway immunity through innovative vaccine research to prevent airborne epidemics. NIVI has two parts:

• NIVI Research Center (NIVI-R): Anchored at the University of Copenhagen, Department of Immunology and Microbiology.

• NIVI Development (NIVI-D): Focuses on translational sciences, advancing vaccine development, accelerating clinical trials (phases 1 and 2), and partnering for later-stage development.

By connecting science, innovation, clinical trials, regulatory processes, and product development, NIVI streamlines the journey from research to real-world vaccines.

Research Group

The PhD student will join the Airway Immunology Group at NIVI-R, supervised by CO-PI Professor Jan Pravsgaard Christensen. The team consists of 8–10 scientists, technicians, and students focused on understanding and enhancing airway immunity, especially against influenza infections.

Research techniques include:

• Small animal models to study immune responses in upper airways

• Flow cytometry for evaluating vaccine-induced immune responses

• Cell-based methods for virus quantification in organs

• Single-cell sequencing for T and B cell characterization

Professional development opportunities include conference attendance, publication support, and collaborative research.

Project Description

The PhD project will focus on tracking immune responses and epithelial changes in the airways of mice after vaccination or infection. Key objectives include:

• Vaccine Testing: Assess effects of influenza vaccines on T and B cell responses

• Immune Response Analysis: Characterize immune responses post-vaccination and infection

• Advanced Techniques: Apply flow cytometry, in vivo imaging, virus quantification, and single-cell sequencing to evaluate vaccine efficacy

Principal Supervisor:
Professor Jan Pravsgaard Christensen, NIVI-R, Department of Immunology and Microbiology
Email: jpcs@sund.ku.dk | Phone: +45 3058 9945

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD student at SUND, your tasks include:

• Conducting an independent research project under supervision

• Completing PhD courses equivalent to approximately 30 ECTS points

• Participating in research exchanges and collaborations with other teams

• Gaining teaching experience and disseminating knowledge

• Writing a PhD thesis based on your project

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a master’s degree equivalent to a Danish two-year master’s in:

• Immunology and Inflammation

• Biology/Biochemistry

• Other relevant science fields

Other important criteria:

• Experience and permission to work with small animal models

• Experience in airway immunology and imaging techniques

• Strong academic record and professional qualifications

• Relevant work experience

• Curiosity and strong interest in airway immunity and infectious diseases

• Good interpersonal and collaborative skills

• Language proficiency (English or Danish)

Place of Employment

NIVI-R, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Facilities include modern laboratories, flow cytometry, single-cell analysis platforms, sequencing, and spatial tissue profiling.

Terms of Employment

• Working Hours: 37 hours/week

• Employment Type: Fixed-term, 3-year PhD position

• Salary and Benefits: In accordance with Danish agreements for academics in the state

• Condition: Successful enrollment as a PhD student at the Graduate School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format and include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. 1 page)

2. CV with education, experience, language skills, and other relevant qualifications

3. Certified copy of Master’s diploma and transcript (including English translation if applicable)

4. Publication list (if available)

Application Deadline: 1st October 2025, 23:59 CET

Applicants may be required to obtain an assessment of their education by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Selection Process

• Applicants will be assessed by an unbiased assessor on academic qualifications, techniques, skills, and experience.

• Applicants can comment on the assessment relevant to themselves.

• Assessment follows the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

The University of Copenhagen encourages applications from all qualified candidates to reflect societal diversity.

Contacts

• Søren Buus | Email: sbuus@sund.ku.dk

• Jan Pravsgaard Christensen | Email: jpc@sund.ku.dk

Employment Start: 1st January 2026
Working Hours: Full-time
Department/Location: Institut for Immunologi og Mikrobiologi

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