DTU Aqua is looking for a PhD student to work with development of vaccines and vaccination strategies for farmed fishes.
You will be working within vaccinology and immunology with emphasis on development and testing of innovative vaccine concepts in fish along with dissection of host-pathogen interactions aiming at improving our understanding the mechanisms of protective immunity in fish. Your work will be part of externally funded research projects focusing on different strategies for mucosal vaccine delivery, among others including bioencapsulation of vaccines for oral delivery.
Vaccination of small sized fish for early disease prophylaxis remains a challenge for many infectious diseases in aquaculture. By tailoring vaccine formulations/vaccine design for delivery or by immersion or via the oral route – including administering the vaccines via live feed organisms – we aim at promoting efficient uptake and associated stimulation of a protective immune response. Your main scientific focus will be related to this aim, and while pursuing this you will get involved in collaborations with research groups at other universities as well as with industry in- and outside of Denmark.
During your scholarship, you will gain expertise in a broad range of laboratory techniques, among others including work with bacteria and viruses, fish cell cultures, assays for immune response analyses such as transcriptomics, immunoassays for antigen tracking etc., as well as animal trials under experimental conditions. The latter will include vaccination- as well as infection-trials in rainbow trout and possibly other fish species.
Through our broad network of international collaborators, you will have ample opportunity for long and short research stays at scientific institutions in other countries.
You will be situated at the Section for Fish and Shellfish Diseases in Kgs. Lyngby near Copenhagen. The section offers state-of-the art laboratory and experimental facilities, where we carry out research within epidemiology, microbiology, virology, immunology and host-pathogen interactions, in relation to infectious diseases in aquaculture. We have more than 40 years of experience with research on fish diseases, and a large international network of collaborators. The section is the National reference laboratory on fish, crustacean and mollusc diseases, and EU reference laboratory on fish- and crustacean diseases. In addition, the section has a large project portfolio and currently employs 27 people with a background in molecular biology, immunology/vaccinology, diagnostics, virology, bacteriology, epidemiology and laboratory techniques.
Responsibilities and qualifications
You will be responsible for developing working hypotheses associated with as the project aims, designing and conducting research experiments, analyzing data, publishing your novel findings in scientific journals/at scientific meetings, and for communicating them to farmers and other relevant stakeholders.
Specific tasks in the project will be:
- Draft a suitable work- and time plan.
- Optimize vaccine formulation and design.
- Perform fish vaccination trials along with vaccine tracking and monitoring immune response.
- Perform infection trials under experimental conditions.
- Process and analyze samples and interpret data..
In addition, as a PhD student you will:
- Complete educational courses related to general and project-specific research skills.
- Visit and work with external partners to expand your scientific expertise.
- Disseminate scientific results in peer-reviewed articles
- Attend conferences to present your research and expand your academic network.
- Engage in other ongoing projects and activities at the Section.
- Participate in teaching within control of diseases in aquaculture.
You must 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 within any of the following areas: Veterinary or animal science, biology, immunology/vaccinology, or in similar fields.
In addition, the following skills will be advantagous:
- Curiosity and high motivation for vaccine research.
- Being responsible and engaged in your daily work
- Being creative and interested in exploring new technology and in adopting new ways of working and solving problems.
- Research experience within molecular biology, pharmacology and/or immunology.
- Analytical skills and some experience in statistical and bioinformatical analysis.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to work in a team and to assist colleagues, as well as being able to work independently.
Personal suitability and motivation for the position will be emphasised.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
An assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Niels Lorenzen and head of section for Fish- and shellfish diseases Britt Bang Jensen. Interviews will be carried out in week 17 or 19.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
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. Starting date is 1 June 2024, or as soon as possible.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Niels Lorenzen, email: nilo@aqua.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Aqua at www.aqua.dtu.dk/; and the section for Fish and Shellfish diseases here: www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/research/fish-and-shellfish-diseases.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 April 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, 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/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the opportunity click here.