We are looking for applicants who are interested in obtaining a PhD degree in immunology crossing the boundaries between biology and medicine. The project is associated with a newly established CAG (Clinical Academic Group) consortium, which includes several hospital researchers in the Capital Region of Denmark, Region Sjælland, The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and University of Copenhagen (KU). The position will be placed in the Infection Microbiology Group at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, DTU and at Department of Clinical Microbiology at Rigshospitalet. The PhD project will focus on selective immunological interactions between the Host-Microbiome developing in human airway cultures and includes determinations of the introduced immune cell reactions towards microbes and in human tissue cells. The project is anchored in a multi-disciplinary group of PhD-students and postdocs, who will support the candidate with relevant expertise. The primary supervisors will be Professor Helle Krogh Johansen (Rigshospitalet) and Professor Søren Molin (DTU). Additional supervisors may be included from the CAG consortium members. The three-year PhD position is fully funded by a research grant from CAG and a Challenge grant from The Novo Nordisk Foundation.

We offer a stimulating integrated scientific environment including clinicians, molecular microbiologists, chemists and bioinformaticians, in which important medical challenges are met by basic research approaches through the application of cutting-edge technologies. The project is placed in a unique research center with state-of-the-art infrastructure and top experts in several relevant areas of research.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The work is expected to result in development of high impact research, and it will include highly advanced technologies to establish the required immune-host-microbiome model systems in the laboratory.

You will be in close contact with, and supported by, a multi-disciplinary team working on complementary projects, while independently developing your own project.

Expected starting date: March 2023

Candidates should have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points), or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

In addition, you must have the following qualifications:

• You have a MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular microbiology, engineering, or medicine
• You have wet-lab experience
• Practical experience in immunology and cell biology and basic knowledge in bioinformatics is an advantage
• You have a high-level English proficiency (written and spoken)
• You are a team player

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the PhD programme at KU.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Helle Krogh Johansen (Rigshospitalet) and Professor Søren Molin (DTU).

Key selection criteria:

• Professional qualifications relevant for the position
• Relevant work experience
• Language skills
• Creative thinking
• Level of enthusiasm and motivation

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Workplace

The research activities will be conducted at DTU and at Department of Clinical Microbiology at Rigshospitalet. Parts of the project will be carried out together with other CAG members.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor, consultant, DMSc. Helle Krogh Johansen (e-mail: hkj@biosustian.dtu.dk).  Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

You can read more about the Infection Microbiology Group at: https://www.rigshospitalet.dk/english/departments/centre-of-diagnostic-investigation/department-of-clinical-microbiology/research/Pages/Persistent-Bacterial-Infections-PERFECTION.aspx

Application

Please submit your online application no later than February 3rd, 2023 here https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationForm/SinglePageApplicationForm.aspx?cid=342&departmentId=17148&ProjectId=246747&MediaId=4710.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc and MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
• Summary of your master’s thesis project and personal experience in the project (max. 1 page)

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Infection Microbiology Group studies persistent bacterial infections in a close collaboration between Rigshospitalet and DTU. Our particular interest is centered around colonization and infection by environmental bacteria in lungs of different types of long-term infected patients. The investigations comprise collection of bacterial isolates from patients and biobank establishment, genotypic and phenotypic characterization of the isolates, gene expression studies, metabolic profiling, host-microbe interactions using miniature lung cell cultures and assessments of antibiotics and immune system interferences.

The Centre of Diagnostic Investigation comprises a collection of highly specialized departments: Diagnostic radiology, clinical biochemistry, pathology, clinical immunology, clinical physiology/nuclearmedicine and PET, clinical microbiology, clinical genetics, center of genomic medicine.  

The center has a staff of 1.800 and an annual turnover of 1.1 billion kroner. The center produces annually 10 mill. laboratory analyses and performs 650.000 image diagnostics based on 1 mill. contacts with patients and donors.

The core task is high-level research, strong educational environments, customized diagnostics and patient treatment. 35 professors and other researchers provides annually more than 700 scientific articles in international reputable journals.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.

Contact

Helle Krogh Johansen

E-mail: hkj@biosustain.dtu.dk

Info

Application deadline: 03-02-2023

Employment start: 01-03-2023

Department/Location: Rigshospitalet – Blegdamsvej