PhD fellowship in epidemiology and control of swine influenza virus

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

We are offering a PhD fellowship in in epidemiology and control of swine influenza virus commencing 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research
The virology group is a part of Section of Clinical Microbiology and strives to increase the current knowledge of new and existing viral pathogens, to bridge both animal and human health and life science. We collaborate with leading partners, both nationally and internationally, in order to contribute new scientific discoveries, develop innovative tools and services and novel types of interventions. We conduct virus infection experiments from the molecular level to the disease level within a range of appropriate ‘state of the art’ containment facilities. Selected focus areas include research on the mechanisms underlying virus disease within the natural host animals, on host-pathogen interactions, on virus evolution and adaptation, and on immune-escape mechanisms and vaccine development and activities related to ONE HEALTH - Integrating human and animal health aspects especially activities concerning zoonotic diseases.

Project description
The aim of this PhD project is to improve our knowledge of the epidemiology and control of swine influenza virus in large intensive pig production systems. The focus of the research will be to study the epidemiology of swine influenza in herds and to design and evaluate efficient methods for the efficient control of the virus using management interventions and vaccines. The project is part of a larger EU project with participation of five European countries so the project involve intensive collaboration with both international scientists and the Danish Pig industry (SEGES). The tasks performed by the PhD-students will be to design and perform field studies, perform laboratory analyses for influenza virus and other pathogens and to participate in detailed statistical analyses of data. In addition, the student will participate in similar studies in other EU countries.

Principal supervisor is Professor Lars Erik Larsen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, [email protected] , Direct Phone +45 40998434. Co-supervisors will be Head of Department Nicolai Rosager Weber from SEGES and Post Doc Pia Ryt-Hansen, UCPH

Start:          1 October 2021
Duration:    3 years as a PhD student

Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
• Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research team in another country
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teach and disseminate your knowledge
• Write a PhD thesis and scientific articles on the grounds of your project

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project e.g. MSc degree in veterinary medicine or related areas. The applicant must have completed courses in Advanced Laboratory Animal Science (level ABD)

Other important criteria are:

• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in swine diseases and/or animal virology
• English in writing and orally

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories with access to state-of-the art equipment to successfully complete the PhD tasks.

Terms of employment 
The employment as PhD fellow is full time and for 3 years. It is conditioned upon the applicant’s success-ful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant. 

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree. Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree¬ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 26.788 DKK /approx. 3.600 EUR (April 2021-level) plus pension.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/  

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:  

Application deadline:  25 July 2021, 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.
The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.
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 33 and 34.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.