About the opportunity
The PhD fellowship is based at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The successful candidate will join a research group of approximately 20 members dedicated to veterinary and zoonotic viruses, with a primary focus on swine influenza A virus. The project involves establishing immunological assays, generating hyperimmune serum in pigs, and selecting representative vaccine strains for experimental and field testing. The position offers a dynamic, international research environment with access to modern laboratories and collaboration with the Statens Serum Institute, Landbrug og Fødevarer, and Ceva Animal Health. The PhD programme is a 3-year full-time research education.
Salary and benefits
- Monthly salary starting at approximately 27,800 DKK (October 2021 level) plus pension
- Full-time employment for 3 years
- Access to modern research facilities and collaborative networks
- Participation in an active, social research environment with journal clubs and professional development opportunities
Who can apply?
- Master's degree equivalent to a Danish Master's degree (180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc)
- Candidates with foreign degrees must meet the equivalent academic standards
- Strong interest in veterinary virology and a curious mindset
- Relevant professional qualifications, previous publications, and work experience are considered
Required documents
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV including education, experience, and language skills
- Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records (with authorized English translation if not in English or Danish)
- Publication list (if applicable)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 4 November 2026, 23:59 CET
- Start date: 1 February 2027
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format
- Submit the application electronically via the official 'Apply now' portal
Additional information
- The position is conditioned upon successful enrollment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
- The project is supervised by Professor Lars Erik Larsen
- The recruitment process includes an assessment by an unbiased assessor, with an opportunity for applicants to comment on the assessment
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a strong background in molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, sequencing, and immunological assays
- Researchers interested in zoonotic diseases and swine influenza who enjoy working in collaborative, social laboratory environments
- Individuals seeking a structured 3-year research training program within a top-ranking European university
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires a high level of independence and the ability to manage a research project from laboratory assays to field testing
- Applicants must ensure their academic credentials meet the specific Danish Master's degree equivalence requirements before applying
- The role is fixed-term for 3 years, which is standard for PhD positions in Denmark but requires careful planning for post-doctoral career transitions
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to build a specialized profile in veterinary virology and vaccine development. It provides a clear, funded path to a PhD degree while integrating the candidate into a high-impact research network involving both academic and industry partners.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for motivated Master's graduates in veterinary or biological sciences who are ready to commit to a 3-year intensive research project. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their technical laboratory skills and their ability to conduct independent research.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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