PhD fellowship in Airway immunology at Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immu[...]

Overview

PhD fellowship in Airway Immunology at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), NIVI Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen. Start date: 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) aims to harness airway immunity through innovative vaccine research and development to prevent airborne epidemics. NIVI has two parts: NIVI Research Center (NIVI-R) at the University of Copenhagen and NIVI Development (NIVI-D), a company focused on translational sciences and advancing vaccine development. NIVI-R conducts scientific research while NIVI-D accelerates clinical trials (phases 1 and 2) and supports later development with partners. The goal is to streamline the journey from research to real-world vaccines.

Our group and research

As part of the Airway Immunology Group at NIVI-R, the PhD student will be supervised by CO-PI Professor Jan Pravsgaard Christensen. The team comprises 8–10 scientists, technicians, and students focused on vaccines against respiratory infections. Research emphasizes influenza and leverages flow cytometry, cell-based methods for virus quantification, and plans to characterize T and B cells using single-cell sequencing. Professional development includes opportunities for conferences and publications. Collaborations with NIVI-R researchers will involve testing platforms, antigens, and adjuvants relevant to the project.

Project Description

The PhD project will track immune responses and epithelial changes in the airways of mice following vaccination or infection. It will explore how T and B cells are maintained in the upper and lower respiratory tract, differences between sites, and their impact on protection against influenza and virus dissemination between individuals.

Project Will Include

• Vaccine Testing: Thorough testing of various influenza vaccines, focusing on their effects on T and B cell responses.
• Immune Response Analysis: Investigate immune responses triggered by vaccines and subsequent influenza infections.
• Advanced Techniques: Flow cytometry, in vivo imaging, virus quantification, and single-cell sequencing to assess vaccine robustness against different influenza strains.

Supervision and Contact

Principal supervisor: Professor Jan Pravsgaard Christensen, NIVI-R, Department of Immunology and Microbiology. Email: | Phone: .

Start and Duration

Start: 1 January 2026 or as soon as possible. Duration: 3 years as a PhD student.

Job Description

Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or equivalent education amounting to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments, including a stay at another research team.
• Gaining experience with teaching or other dissemination related to the PhD project and disseminating knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis based on the project.

Key Criteria for Applicants

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area (e.g., Immunology and Inflammation, Biology/Biochemistry or other relevant science). The master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (two years).

Other Important Criteria

• Experience with small animal models and permission to work with them.
• Experience with airway immunology and imaging techniques.
• GPA and professional qualifications relevant to the project.
• Relevant work experience and other professional activities.
• A curious mindset with strong interest in airway immunity and infectious diseases.
• Language skills and good interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset.

Place of Employment

Place of employment is NIVI-R, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Facilities include modern laboratories and core facilities for flow cytometry, single-cell analysis, sequencing, and spatial tissue profiling.

Terms of Employment

The average weekly working hours are 37. The position is fixed-term for 3 years. Start date is 1 January 2026 or after agreement. Employment requires enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The PhD study must comply with the Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and faculty rules. Salary, pension, and terms follow the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Application Procedure

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking Apply Now. The following documents in PDF format are required:

• Motivated letter of application (max one page).
• CV including education, experience, language skills, and other relevant skills.
• Certified copies of original Master of Science diploma and transcript, with English translation if issued in another language. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript or a written statement from the institution may be accepted. The master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree.
• Publication list (if possible).

Application deadline: 1 October 2025, 23:59 CET. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.

The Further Process

After the deadline, applicants may be assessed by an authorized recruitment manager and a hiring committee. All applicants will be notified whether they have been passed for assessment. Assessors will evaluate qualifications and experience relevant to the project. Applicants may comment on the assessment. Information about the recruitment process:

The University of Copenhagen encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.

Applications and Contact

Apply now. For information about the PhD fellowship, contact the principal supervisor. General information about PhD studies is available at the Graduate School’s website: healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/

Contacts: Søren Buus , E-mail: ; Jan Pravsgaard Christensen , E-mail:

Job Details

Employment start: . Working hours: Full time. Department/Location: Institut for Immunologi og Mikrobiologi.

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