Postdoc or PhD Student at the Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, SDU in Copenhagen, Denmark

There is accumulating evidence that vaccines - in addition to protection against the targeted infections - have broader, non-specific effects on the immune system and alter the susceptibility to a wide range of infections. Therefore, vaccines and vaccination programmes should also be evaluated for their overall health effects. This has not happened for the COVID-19 vaccines. For children, who appear to have little to gain from the specific protection against COVID-19, such non-specific effects may be more important for overall health than the specific effects.  

In Denmark, COVID-19 vaccines were recommended to children aged 5 and above, but many parents did not accept the invitation. Thus, we anticipate having relatively comparable groups of vaccinated and non-vaccinated children. The Danish registers permit control for a broad range of background factors. Hence, Denmark has an ideal opportunity for a real-life post-approval evaluation of the vaccine effects on overall health. The global relevance of the results is obvious.

We seek a candidate who is passionate about taking on this task and, in collaboration with a strong research team, evaluate the non-specific health effects (such as the rate of non-target infectious disease hospitalisations and the rate of prescription medication for infectious disease) of introducing COVID-19 vaccines to Danish children in register-based studies. Prior to the studies, we will conduct qualitative interviews with parents, GPs, and other stake holders to explore whether there are other outcomes that could be assessed using the Danish registers, and any outcomes that would be missed using the Danish registers. 

We are primarily looking for a postdoc. However, a strong PhD candidate will also be considered. Relevant educational backgrounds are medicine, public health science or pharmacology, but people with other backgrounds may also be considered.

Vi are looking for a candidate interested in epidemiological vaccine research, who has a strong methodological background (preferably documented through experience in planning, implementing, analysing, and/or reporting epidemiological studies). Experience with the Danish national registers or other large register-based cohorts is an advantage. Furthermore, as the candidate will undertake interviews with parents, GPs, and other stakeholders, speaking Danish or being willing to learn Danish will also be an advantage. However, the qualitative part may if necessary be undertaken by somebody else. The candidate should be able to work both independently and in teams – and be ready for the media interest that the results will invariably bring along. 

You will join an ambitious research team. The main supervisor will be Prof. Christine Stabell Benn, Bandim Health Project, University of Southern Denmark. Co-supervisors will be Sanne Marie Thysen, postdoc, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, and Anton Pottegård, professor at the University of Southern Denmark and Head of Research at Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital. Together, the supervisors represent three different research environments, with overlapping yet unique expertise. 

Contact 

Further information can be obtained from Professor Benn,

Appointment

Appointment as postdoc takes place in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Central Organisation of the Academics.

PhD student employment will be in accordance with the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). The terms of employment as a salaried PhD student are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

Assessment of applicants will be done in accordance with the current/applicable university recruitment order. Postdoc applicants will be assessed by an expert committee, and applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications – including the required attachments specified below – must be sent electronically via the below-mentioned link “Apply online". Only online applications will be accepted and assessed. 

Attached files must be Adobe PDF or Word format. Each field in the application form can contain up to max. 10 MB.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF- or docx-files):

• A cover letter
• A CV
• Copies of certificates/diplomas (including evidence of acquisition of a PhD degree or equivalent for Postdoc applicants)
• A complete and numbered list of publications
• An explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position.

For postdoc applicants additionally: 

• Up to 3 scientific, peer-reviewed publications that the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment of his or her scientific qualifications (Please note that one PDF or docx file must be attached for each publication).
• A brief research plan (max 2 pages) describing how you would evaluate the effect of the vaccine introduction
• A teaching portfolio

Incomplete applications, which do not meet the above-mentioned requirements, will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.