Staff Scientist in T-cell Immunology and Vaccine Research at the NIVI Research Center

Staff Scientist in T-cell Immunology and Vaccine Research at the NIVI Research Center We are looking for a highly motivated, creative and scientifically independent Staff Scientist in T-cell Immunology and Vaccine Research for a position of 2 years, with the possibility of extension, commencing [date] or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will join the Laboratory of Experimental Immunology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology and work within the research environment of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI) Research Center. The position will focus primarily on human T-cell immunology and the development and application of advanced cellular approaches to understand and exploit T-cell responses to respiratory infection and vaccination. Background The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), launched in December 2023, has a mission to harness airway immunity and prevent airborne epidemics through innovative vaccine research and development. NIVI Has Two Parts
- NIVI Research (NIVI-R), a state-of-the-art research center anchored at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
- NIVI Development (NIVI-D), a company that focuses on translational science and advancing vaccine development. Our research A major objective of our research within NIVI-R is to develop T-cell-based approaches to broad and durable protection against respiratory viral infections, with particular emphasis on influenza virus. Respiratory infection and mucosal vaccination can generate tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) in the airways and lungs. These cells respond rapidly to reinfection and, when directed against conserved viral epitopes, can provide heterosubtypic protection against influenza. We aim to exploit such responses in the development of improved vaccines targeting conserved viral antigens. Our programme combines human cellular immunology, antigen presentation, vaccine design and advanced flow cytometry, complemented by preclinical vaccination and challenge studies in mouse models. Vaccine concepts include conserved antigens incorporated into molecularly adjuvanted and multimeric vaccine formats and delivered by systemic or mucosal vaccination. An important part of this programme is the development of improved methods for defining the specificity, breadth, phenotype and function of infection
- and vaccine-induced T-cell responses. This includes development of scalable approaches to identify and validate T-cell targets, potentially combining advanced cell analysis and sorting, genetically encoded antigen libraries, molecular and single-cell technologies, computational predictions and peptide–HLA multimer analyses. Your job As Staff Scientist, you will have a central role in the cellular-immunology component of our NIVI-R research programme. Your Responsibilities Will Include
- Developing and applying advanced cellular assays for characterization of antigen-specific T-cell responses.
- Developing approaches for analysis of T-cell activation, differentiation, specificity and memory, including tissue-resident memory T-cell responses.
- Working primarily with human PBMCs, T cells and antigen-presenting cells, complemented by cellular immunological analysis of vaccine responses in preclinical mouse models.
- Developing and evaluating scalable methods for identification and validation of T-cell targets.
- Applying advanced imaging, molecular, single-cell or computational approaches where appropriate.
- Independently planning, performing, analysing and troubleshooting technically demanding experiments.
- Collaborating with researchers within the laboratory, NIVI-R and the wider University of Copenhagen research environment.
- Contributing to scientific publications, presentations and training of junior researchers. Profile We are looking for an experimentally strong scientist with a background in cellular immunology and a strong interest in T-cell biology and vaccine research. Essential Experience And Skills
- You hold a PhD in immunology, cellular immunology, cellular biology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
- You have strong theoretical and practical experience in cellular immunology, preferably including antigen-specific T-cell responses.
- You have substantial hands‑on experience with advanced multiparameter flow cytometry and fluorescence‑activated cell sorting.
- You have experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based experimental systems.
- You can independently plan, perform, analyse, and troubleshoot complex experiments.
- You have good collaborative and communication skills and enjoy working across scientific disciplines.
- You have excellent spoken and written English. Desirable Experience And Skills Several years of research experience following completion of the PhD would be an advantage. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particu