Postdoc in Innate Skin Immunology at LEO Skin Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 3-year position, who is planned to commence 1 Jan 2026.

The postdoctoral position at the Department of Immunology focuses on investigating innate immune mechanisms in the skin. The research aims to understand how these pathways contribute to both normal skin homeostasis and the development of inflammatory or autoimmune skin diseases.

Information on the department can be found at: https://isim.ku.dk/ and at:  https://sic.ku.dk/

Our research

Our research group focuses on immune regulation, exploring both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms that maintain health and prevent disease. We are an interdisciplinary team that values collaboration, with strong ties to international networks and partners. Teamwork and mutual support are central to our approach, fostering a dynamic and productive research environment. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and diverse group in terms of gender, nationality, and career stage. This supportive atmosphere allows each member to contribute meaningfully to advancing immunological science.

Your job

The applicant’s research focuses on innate immune regulatory mechanisms in the skin, with particular emphasis on how these processes contribute to maintaining skin homeostasis and how their dysregulation leads to inflammatory or autoimmune skin diseases. The projects will explore the role of type I interferons in shaping cutaneous immune responses, examining how these cytokines contribute to both protective immunity and the persistence of chronic inflammation. A central aspect of the work involves studying skin-resident myeloid cells, particularly macrophages and Langerhans cells, to understand how they sense, respond to, and regulate inflammatory cues. Through a combination of in vitro and in vivo models, the research aims to dissect cellular and molecular pathways driving disease progression or resolution. The work will provide mechanistic insights into the balance between immune tolerance and activation in the skin. Ultimately, the goal is to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory and autoimmune skin disorders.

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• A PhD in Immunology.
• Extensive experience working with macrophages, including functional assays and characterisation.
• A strong and active interest in innate immune mechanisms and skin immunology.
• Proficient communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

 

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with performing and analysing single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Experience with performing and analysing ATAC sequencing.

 

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Leo Skin Immunology Research center, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment.

 

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

 

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The starting date is January 1, 2026, or after agreement.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

 

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

 

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

 

Questions
For further information please contact Anders Woetmann, awoetmann@sund.ku.dk www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

 

Deadline for applications: September 15, 2025, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

 

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

 

Interviews are expected to be held in week 44.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.