Postdoc in Fish immunology and vaccinology - DTU Aqua

DTU Aqua is looking for a postdoc to work with vaccine development and disease prophylaxis of finfish in aquaculture. We offer state-of-the art laboratory and experimental facilities, where we carry out research on virology, immunology and host-pathogen interactions. At the section for fish- and shellfish diseases, we have more than 30 years of experience with research on fish diseases, and a large international network. 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.

We invite you to help us on our mission to survey and promote health of fish and shellfish, with special focus on sustainable aquaculture.

You will be working to explore and develop tools, specifically vaccines and strategies for disease prophylaxis in this context. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The selected candidate will be working with immunology and virology with emphasis on host-pathogen interactions and disease prophylaxis in fish as part of the project “Green Fish Breeding (GREFIB)”. This includes characterization of innate and adaptive protective mechanisms of the animal host as well as pathogen virulence parameters. You will use infection models in fish along with molecular and immunological tools, for assessing and characterizing resistance to disease based on natural as well as acquired immunity, in combination with selective breeding.  You will also take part in the new EU partnership on Animal Health and Welfare, and thus collaborate with other researchers within EU.

Your primary tasks will be:

-Dissection of protective immune mechanisms and related host-pathogen interactions at functional and molecular levels.

-Development and use of innovative fish vaccine models for analyzing immunocompetence and its role in disease resistance

-Dissemination of research results in scientific fora and journals.

You will also be expected to contribute to

-Research networking and project coordination activities (national and international)

-Teaching activities at all levels (bachelor, master, PhD)

-The sections tasks and responsibilities as NRL and EURL

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) within one of the following fields: Molecular biology, Immunology, Virology or Veterinary or Animal Science.

In addition, we will prefer candidates that can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• A good national and international network and ability to work in trans-disciplinary research projects.
• Experience with development and experimental testing of innovative fish vaccines 
• Work with experimental animals and in particular challenge experiments with infectious diseases in farmed fish species.
• Experience with cultivation of bacteria as well as eukaryotic cells including amplification of viruses. 

We will also value the following personal skills:

• Ability to work in a team and to assist colleagues, as well as being able to work independently
• Be creative and interested in exploring new technology and in adopting new ways of working and solving problems
• Ability to take personal responsibility for getting things done
• Good problem-solving skills
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Able to work closely with people from other disciplines 

Personal suitability and motivation for the position will be emphasized.

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. You will be encouraged and assisted in fundraising for continuation of your research.

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 date is 1/1-2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
May be obtained from Head of Section Britt Bang Jensen, tel: +45 9351 8948, email: abrj@aqua.dtu.dk or Professor Niels Lorenzen, tel: +45 255 20730 email: nilo@aqua.dtu.dk.

You can read more about The Section for Fish and Shellfish diseases at https://www.aqua.dtu.dk/english/about/organization/scientific_sections/section-for-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 .

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 October 2023 (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:

• 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.

About the section
The Section for Fish and Shellfish Diseases conducts research on host-pathogen interactions, disease prophylaxis and pathogen characterization. The section gives research-based advice and is at the forefront on the development of diagnostic tools and preventive measures of diseases in fish, bivalves and crustaceans. 

Furthermore, the section is appointed as the European Union reference laboratory for Fish and Crustacean Diseases and as the reference laboratory for the fish disease viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) for the World Organisation for Animal Health.

About DTU Aqua
DTU Aqua – National Institute of Aquatic Resources – works for well-functioning oceans, rivers, and lakes where biodiversity can thrive. Our research, advisory service, and education contribute to the development of a sustainable blue bioeconomy, robust aquatic ecosystems, and reduced effects of climate change. We have a large national and international network and cooperate with research partners, public authorities, industry, and NGOs. We have state-of-the-art research facilities and Denmark’s largest research vessel. The Institute has 350 employees, of whom one-third are scientific staff. More than 30 nationalities are represented at the Institute, and we support an equal gender distribution. We are located in Lyngby, Hirtshals, Nykøbing Mors, and Silkeborg and have regular activities in Greenland. Learn more on aqua.dtu.dk

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.