We are looking for a highly motivated, creative and scientifically independent Staff Scientist in T-cell Immunology and Vaccine Research for a position of 2 years, with the possibility of extension, commencing [date] or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will join the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology and work within the research environment of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) Research Center. The position will focus primarily on human T-cell immunology and the development and application of advanced cellular approaches to understand and exploit T-cell responses to respiratory infection and vaccination.

 

Background

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

NIVI has two parts:

• NIVI Research (NIVI-R), a state-of-the-art research center anchored at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
• NIVI Development (NIVI-D), a company that focuses on translational science and advancing vaccine development.

NIVI-R conducts scientific research, while NIVI-D works to turn that research quickly into new vaccine candidates. NIVI-D accelerates clinical trials (phases 1 and 2) and ensures a smooth transition to partners for later stages of development. By connecting science, innovation, clinical trials, regulatory processes, and product development, NIVI aims to streamline the journey from research to real-world vaccines.

 

Our research

A major objective of our research within NIVI-R is to develop T-cell-based approaches to broad and durable protection against respiratory viral infections, with particular emphasis on influenza virus. Respiratory infection and mucosal vaccination can generate tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) in the airways and lungs. These cells respond rapidly to reinfection and, when directed against conserved viral epitopes, can provide heterosubtypic protection against influenza. We aim to exploit such responses in the development of improved vaccines targeting conserved viral antigens. Our programme combines human cellular immunology, antigen presentation, vaccine design and advanced flow cytometry, complemented by preclinical vaccination and challenge studies in mouse models. Vaccine concepts include conserved antigens incorporated into molecularly adjuvanted and multimeric vaccine formats and delivered by systemic or mucosal vaccination. An important part of this programme is the development of improved methods for defining the specificity, breadth, phenotype and function of infection- and vaccine-induced T-cell responses. This includes development of scalable approaches to identify and validate T-cell targets, potentially combining advanced cell analysis and sorting, genetically encoded antigen libraries, molecular and single-cell technologies, computational predictions and peptide–HLA multimer analyses.

 

Your job

As Staff Scientist, you will have a central role in the cellular-immunology component of our NIVI-R research programme.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and applying advanced cellular assays for characterization of antigen-specific T-cell responses.
• Developing approaches for analysis of T-cell activation, differentiation, specificity and memory, including tissue-resident memory T-cell responses.
• Working primarily with human PBMCs, T cells and antigen-presenting cells, complemented by cellular immunological analysis of vaccine responses in preclinical mouse models.
• Developing and evaluating scalable methods for identification and validation of T-cell targets.
• Applying advanced imaging, molecular, single-cell or computational approaches where appropriate.
• Independently planning, performing, analysing and troubleshooting technically demanding experiments.
• Collaborating with researchers within the laboratory, NIVI-R and the wider University of Copenhagen research environment.
• Contributing to scientific publications, presentations and training of junior researchers.

A substantial part of the position will involve method development and experimental problem-solving. We therefore particularly welcome applicants who enjoy developing and establishing new experimental approaches rather than simply applying existing protocols.

 

Profile

We are looking for an experimentally strong scientist with a background in cellular immunology and a strong interest in T-cell biology and vaccine research.

Essential experience and skills

• You hold a PhD in immunology, cellular immunology, cellular biology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
• You have strong theoretical and practical experience in cellular immunology, preferably including antigen-specific T-cell responses.
• You have substantial hands-on experience with advanced multiparameter flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
• You have experience with mammalian cell culture and cell-based experimental systems.
• You can independently plan, perform, analyse, and troubleshoot complex experiments.
• You have good collaborative and communication skills and enjoy working across scientific disciplines.
• You have excellent spoken and written English.

Desirable experience and skills

Several years of research experience following completion of the PhD would be an advantage.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly valuable:

• Human T-cell activation, differentiation, specificity, and memory.
• Mucosal immunity and tissue-resident memory T cells.
• Antigen presentation and T-cell target analysis.
• Peptide–HLA multimer technologies.
• Imaging flow cytometry or analysis of cell–cell interactions.
• Lentiviral vector technologies and genetically encoded antigen or peptide libraries.
• Single-cell technologies and analysis of high-dimensional cellular data.
• Computational analysis of T-cell responses and HLA restriction.
• Experimental mouse models of infection, vaccination, and cellular immunity.

We do not expect applicants to have prior expertise in all of these areas. Of particular importance is a strong background in cellular/T-cell immunology and advanced flow cytometry, together with a demonstrated ability to learn, establish, and develop sophisticated experimental methods.

 

Research environment

The Staff Scientist will be based in the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Our laboratory conducts research in antigen presentation, T-cell immunity, peptide–HLA interactions, and vaccine immunology. Within NIVI-R, our research contributes particularly to development of T-cell-based strategies for broad and durable protection against respiratory infections, including approaches aimed at generating protective mucosal and tissue-resident memory responses. The interdisciplinary NIVI-R environment provides access to expertise in cellular immunology, bioinformatics, molecular vaccine technologies, advanced flow cytometry, single-cell analysis and translational vaccine research. We offer stimulating and collaborative working conditions in an international research environment, with substantial opportunity for the Staff Scientist to influence the scientific and technological development of the programme.

 

Place of employment

The place of employment is the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours.

 

Terms of employment

The position is a fixed-term position for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The expected starting date is 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is advertised with the scientific title Staff Scientist. Formal employment will be under the relevant University of Copenhagen agreement for academic research-supporting staff (AC-TAP FU), as Academic Research Officer or Academic Research Consultant, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary, pension and other conditions of employment will be set in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and University of Copenhagen rules.

 

Questions

For further information about the scientific content of the position, please contact:

Professor Søren Buus
Laboratory of Experimental Immunology
Department of Immunology and Microbiology
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen
E-mail: SBuus@sund.ku.dk

 

Application procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking “Apply now” below.

The application should include:

1. Motivated letter of application describing your scientific background and its relevance to the position.
2. Curriculum vitae including education, research, and work experience; technical skills and language skills.
3. Documentation of PhD degree and other relevant academic qualifications.
4. List of publications.
5. Contact information for up to three references.

Deadline for applications: 28 September 2026, 23:59 CET.