Postdoc in allergy immunotherapy and immunological biochemistry - DTU Bioengineering

We are looking for a 2-year postdoctoral researcher within the field allergy immunotherapy from June 1st 2023 (or soon thereafter). The positions will involve laboratory work and collaboration with academic partners in the Immunite project.

The Immunological Biochemistry Lab
The Immunological Biochemistry laboratory (IBL) is a junior group led by Dr. Esperanza Rivera-de-Torre within the Center for Antibody Technologies headed by Andreas H. Laustsen-Kiel at DTU Bioengineering. The goal of IBL is to understand the biochemical features of antigens that induce the pivotal response of the immune system towards immunity or tolerance. We aim to design new treatments that can modify the fate of the reaction by engineering the antigen. We utilize in silico, in vitro, and in vivo techniques for the design, recombinant expression, and characterization of antigens with special properties to trigger the immune system from protein to LNP-mRNA formats. We have a strong bio-entrepreneurial focus to ensure our solutions get to the clinic. Therefore, the Immunological Biochemistry Lab is also engaged in many innovation and entrepreneurship activities, including spinout of companies.

The Center for Antibody Technologies employs about 30 full-time researchers and PhD students. We have an exceptionally collaborative spirit and host many talented students and guest researchers from abroad. We aim for scientific excellence through teamwork and ambition, which is supported by having an inclusive and dynamic environment with room for new ideas.

See more: https://tropicalpharmacology.com

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project is funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and the European Research Council (ERC) and is focused on developing in vivo and ex vivo assays for the assessment of a new allergy immunotherapy treatment based on designed allergens and mRNA technology. The role of the candidate will primarily be to design and perform experiments in the laboratory, as well as data analysis, and scientific publication.

The candidate should preferably have an entrepreneurial spirit and be interested in facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into inventions and innovations that can be brought to life in society. 

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant life sciences discipline, have excellent communication skills, demonstrate scientific excellence, and be extensively trained in protein biochemistry, mammalian cell culture (dendritic cells, T and B-cell co-culture), flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and/or molecular/synthetic biology. In our research group, we highly value collaboration, and it will be expected that the candidates can demonstrate that he/she has a track record for successfully collaborating with his/her peers and students.

It is beneficial (but not mandatory) if the applicant has experience with one or more of the following techniques:

• Mammalian cell culture
• Purification of human immune cells from patient samples
• Primary cell culture and ex vivo differentiation
• Dendritic cells co-culture with autologous T/B-cells
• Mouse experiment design
• mRNA encapsulation into LNPs
• Flow cytometry
• ELISA, western blotting
• Confocal microscopy
• Recombinant protein expression and purification

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 terms of employment
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 2 years starting from June 1st 2023, or soon thereafter.

If you are a non-Dane (or have lived for a sufficient number of years outside of Denmark), you may be eligible for the attractive Researcher Tax scheme: https://skat.dk/skat.aspx?oid=97319 . Successful application to this scheme is, however, not promised by DTU.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Additional information may be obtained from Dr. Esperanza Rivera de Torre, [email protected]  

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 April 2023 (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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

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

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.