Fixed-term

We are offering a PhD fellowship in virus-host interactions commencing 15 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Our group and researchDuring the PhD, you will be working on the molecular and cell biology of RNA virus infections. You will join the group of Professor Troels K. H. Scheel, who leads a research team of around twelve scientists. The group is part of Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) with around 50 researchers and affiliated with Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen and with Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital. Your primary work location will be at the university. Our work environment is ambitious, dynamic and international.Information on the Department can be found at: www.isim.ku.dk Project description Our core research interest is how viruses hijack cellular systems. A particular focus on this relates to RNA biology. RNA viruses are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pathogens of our interest include hepatitis viruses, flaviviruses (e.g. tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever, and zika virus), alphaviruses (e.g. sindbis, chikungunya) and animal pathogens such as pestiviruses. We have specific interest in virus-host interactions, including RNA interactions that are becoming increasingly important, also as potential therapeutic targets. We recently identified and characterized interactions for several viruses. Much, however, remains to be understood on virus-host interactions during infection, including implications for innate immunity. Recent publications from our group include: Larsen, Sherwood, Rivera-Rangel et al. 2026 Nat Comms: “Discovery of 5’ NAD capped viral RNAs reveals evolutionary divergent 5’ metabolite capping across hepaciviruses” Damas, Seemann, Costa, Krambrich et al. 2026 PLoS Pathog: “Characterization of the virus-host RNA-RNA interactome across important human pathogenic RNA viruses” (PMID: 42139316) Sherwood, Rivera-Rangel et al. 2023 Nature: “Hepatitis C virus RNA is 5′-capped with flavin adenine dinucleotide” (PMID: 37407817) Fossat et al. 2023 Cell Rep: “Identification of the viral and cellular microRNA interactomes during SARS-CoV-2 infection” (PMID: 36961814) Wolfisberg et al. 2022 Hepatology: “Neutralization and receptor use of infectious culture-derived rat hepacivirus as a model for HCV” (PMID: 35445423) Your project on virus-host interactions will be defined together with your supervisor, Troels Scheel, and will involve methodology such as virus cultivation, molecular biology assays, functional characterization, translation and replication reporter assays, crosslinking immune-precipitation (CLIP), RNA-seq and related methods. You will be expected to actively participate in method development and development of the project. A high level of motivation, ambition and involvement will be expected. Principal supervisor is Professor Troels K. H. Scheel, Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology, tscheel@sund.ku.dk, +45 25122771. Start: 15 November 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Duration: 3 years as a PhD student with the potential option of an additional lead-in period as research assistant of up to 3 months. Job descriptionYour key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are: Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.  Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points. Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team. Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project Teaching and disseminating your knowledge. Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project PhD Programme Description:The PhD programme is a three-year full-time research education within the framework of the 5+3 scheme, intended for candidates holding a relevant academic degree (MSc) within the project’s subject area (e.g., virology, molecular, cellular or systems biology, or related fields). Applicants expecting to obtain the MSc degree in the near future are also encouraged to apply. Qualifications:If you have completed your academic education in Denmark, the admission to the PhD programme requires a relevant Master’s degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc). If you have an academic education from abroad, you must have either a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ETCS + 120 ECTS MSc), or at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS) and be academically qualified at master’s level. As part of the assessment of whether you meet the educational requirements, you must also achieve a positive academic evaluation and be assessed as the best qualified for the position. Other important criteria are: The grade point average achieved Hands-on experience in long-term scientific projects during and/or after your MSc studies. Experience with virology, cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, high-throughput technology or immunology is an advantage. Interest in RNA viruses, molecular biology and novel deep sequencing methods. Authorship on publications in high quality journals is an advantage. Other professional activities The applicant is further expected to possess good interpersonal and communicative skills. The working language is English and good English speaking, reading and writing skills are therefore required. You will be expected to drive your research with independence and initiative, but also to interact well with the group in a dedicated but pleasant work atmosphere. Place of employment The place of employment is at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and office space. Terms of employmentThe average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s success­ful 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 on collaboration with the primary supervisor. This can be developed during an initial three-month employment as a research assistant. 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 agree­ment between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 30,000 DKK/Roughly 4,000 EUR

Research area and project description:The Research Group Archaea within the Department of Biology – Microbiology, investigates the physiology, metabolism, and ecology microorganisms that catalyze the anaerobic oxidation of volatile alkanes like ethane, propane, and butane. These hydrocarbons are major components of natural gas and play key roles in the carbon and energy fluxes of marine sediments. In this PhD project, you will cultivate, identify, and metabolically characterize previously undescribed hydrocarbon-oxidizing Archaea, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and Archaea-SRB consortia from diverse environments. The project is centered on the development of enrichment cultures using single or mixed hydrocarbons as substrates. Sediments collected from deep-sea sites, hydrocarbon seeps, and mud volcanoes will serve as inocula. Participation in sampling campaigns is possible during the early phase of the PhD.  The resulting cultures will be analyzed using anaerobic physiology assays, metagenomics, and metabolomics to identify substrate utilization pathways and enzymes. Hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms will be identified using community sequencing, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and fluorescence microscopy. These approaches will be used to identify key community members and reconstruct their metabolic potential.  Microbial interactions and substrate utilization will be investigated using combinations of stable isotope probing, molecular biology, and advanced imaging, including confocal laser scanning microscopy and nano scale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (nanoSIMS) chemical imaging. The overarching goal is to discover and characterize previously unknown anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms and to determine how they metabolize hydrocarbons and interact with partner organisms in anoxic environments. The project will contribute to our understanding of the functional and phylogenetic diversity, evolution, and ecological roles of microorganisms involved in anaerobic alkane oxidation. For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Qualifications and specific competences:Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree in biology, biochemistry, microbiology or equivalent and have graduated before the application deadline.  We expect the applicants to • Have a strong background in one of the following research fields: microbiology, microbial physiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, or other relevant research areas • Have excellent collaborative skills, strong potential to publish at a high international level, excellent command of English, and an interest to join an interdisciplinary team. International applicants who do not have English as their first language must prove excellent English language writing skills and fluency. Place of employment and place of work:The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Ny Munkegade 114, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark, Denmark.   Contacts:Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Florin Musat, florin.musat@bio.au.dk How to apply: For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying. When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2026) Choose August 2026 Call with deadline 1 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Biology”. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Cultivation and functional characterization of novel anaerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms (Cfcnah)”  Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. Apply Now

Are you passionate about sustainability and reducing environmental impact through biomanufacturing? Then come join us in advancing technologies for developing robust microbial cell factories and scalable bioprocesses that convert CO₂-derived feedstocks into high-volume chemicals. This multi-year initiative consists of joint efforts between multiple groups covering the entire innovation pipeline, from metabolic tools and design, strain engineering, process design, fermentation, downstream processing, multi-omics, techno-economic validation, and business development. We aim to establish new industrial routes for essential chemicals in a low-carbon economy through interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to create a real impact in establishing a circular economy. If you are a genome editing specialist eager to push the boundaries of what automation and CRISPR technology can achieve at scale, this is your opportunity to do exactly that. At DTU, you will be at the forefront of high-throughput microbial engineering, building portable genome editing tools and libraries that will directly fuel both fundamental discoveries and real-world biotechnological applications — within a large, ambitious, and highly collaborative research programme. Responsibilities and qualificationsYou will play a key role in designing and developing high-throughput CRISPR-based genome editing workflows, with a focus on making them modular, organism-agnostic, and compatible with automated laboratory platforms. As the automation infrastructure will be co-developed throughout the project, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the tools themselves, not just use them. Specifically, you will: Design and optimize CRISPR/Cas genome editing strategies for systematic gene deletions, with an emphasis on transferability across multiple prokaryotic hosts Co-develop automated, high-throughput protocols for genome-wide library construction in close collaboration with the broader project team Build and curate high-throughput collections of deletion mutants for functional characterization and strain optimization campaigns, aiming at genome-wide KO mutants Help in analyzing mutant libraries using relevant phenotypic and omics-based approaches Contribute to the design and implementation of automation-compatible workflows using liquid-handling robotics and related platforms Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members and disseminate results through publications and presentations The ideal candidate has: A PhD in microbiology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, or a related field Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing in (non-model) microbial systems Experience in multiple DNA delivery methods like electroporation or conjugation An interest in or experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput experimental design Strong analytical skills and, ideally, programming experience for data analysis and workflow scripting (e.g. Python) A collaborative mindset, creativity, and excellent communication skills in English As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).  We offerDTU 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.  Salary and terms of employment The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.  The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is January 1st 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further informationFurther information may be obtained from Enrico Orsi (enricoo@dtu.dk). You can read more about us at www.bright.dtu.dk  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 2 August 2026 (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  Contact details of two reference persons  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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. BRIGHT – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green TransitionThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world’s top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy. Apply Now

Are you passionate about sustainability and reducing environmental impact through biomanufacturing? Then come join us in advancing technologies for developing robust microbial cell factories and scalable bioprocesses that convert CO₂-derived feedstocks into high-volume chemicals. This multi-year initiative consists of joint efforts between multiple groups covering the entire innovation pipeline, from metabolic tools and design, strain engineering, process design, fermentation, downstream processing, multi-omics, techno-economic validation, and business development. We aim to establish new industrial routes for essential chemicals in a low-carbon economy through interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to create a real impact in establishing a circular economy. If you are a metabolic engineer with a passion for precision fermentation of bulk chemicals and a drive to push microbial cell factories beyond their natural limits, this is your opportunity. At DTU, you will work at the cutting edge of isoprenoid pathway engineering, deploying and optimising biosynthetic routes in next-generation microbial hosts¨, rewired to to thrive on sustainable P2X feedstocks — with real potential to reshape how the chemical industry sources its building blocks. Responsibilities and qualificationsYou will design, engineer, and optimize microbial strains for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid molecules, working across both the MEP and MVA pathways to debottleneck production and ultimately deploy the resulting pathways in P2X-assimilating cell factories and assess their scalability potential. Specifically, you will: Apply combinatorial metabolic engineering and cell free strategies to debottleneck isoprenoid biosynthesis via the MEP and MVA pathways Develop and implement high-throughput screening methods for quantifying isoprenoid flux in engineered microbial strains Deploy optimized biosynthetic pathways in microbial cell factories engineered for efficient assimilation of P2X feedstocks (C1 and C2 carbon sources) Lead systems-level strain engineering efforts using in-house, state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas systems to rewire and enhance cellular metabolism towards scalable isoprenoid bioproduction Perform cultivation conditions for determining the strains behavior in bioreactors, and determine KPIs for scalability potential Collaborate closely with team members across the project pipeline, including strain engineering, fermentation, and analytics groups Disseminate results through publications and presentations at international conferences As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). The ideal candidate has: A PhD in metabolic engineering, biotechnology, or a related field Proven experience in microbial physiology and metabolic engineering of non-model bacteria, including CRISPR/Cas methods Hands-on experience with analytics (e.g. GC-MS, LC-MS) and bioreactor cultivation Familiarity with metabolic design principles and systems-level metabolic engineering approaches A collaborative mindset, curiosity, and a willingness to take on responsibilities within a multidisciplinary group Excellent communication skills in English As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).  We offerDTU 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.  Salary and terms of employment The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.  The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is January 1st 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further informationFurther information may be obtained from Enrico Orsi (enricoo@dtu.dk). You can read more about us at www.bright.dtu.dk  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 2 August 2026  (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  Contact details of two reference persons  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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. BRIGHT – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green TransitionThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world’s top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy. Apply Now

If you are curious about the fundamental physiology of microbial metabolism and excited by the prospect of pushing microorganisms to their biochemical limits, this is your opportunity. At DTU, you will investigate how microbial cells can be empowered to assimilate acetate more efficiently by supplying external reducing power — contributing to a deeper understanding of microbial physiology while helping unlock the potential of Power-to-X feedstocks for sustainable bioproduction. Responsibilities and qualificationsAcetate is a promising CO₂-derived P2X feedstock, but its assimilation is energetically costly for microbial cells. In this project, you will investigate whether co-feeding reduced C1 compounds such as methanol can relieve these redox constraints and push the carbon-efficiency limits of acetate assimilation — using a genetically tractable model bacterium that naturally encodes the relevant metabolic pathways. Specifically, you will: Establish and characterize stable acetate–C1 co-utilization phenotypes using adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) and/or targeted metabolic engineering Quantify carbon yields and biomass during co-utilization and validate stoichiometric predictions of carbon retention across different acetate assimilation pathways Map physiological trade-offs and substrate partitioning across acetate:C1 ratios using high-throughput cultivation systems, ¹³C-labelling, and metabolite quantification Investigate how the redox entry point of C1 oxidation controls carbon assimilation flux and retention efficiency Apply transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to identify the regulatory and metabolic adaptations enabling efficient redox balancing between substrates of distinct reduction states Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent. The ideal candidate has: A MSc in microbiology, biochemistry, microbial physiology, or a related field A strong foundation in microbial physiology and intermediary metabolism Hands-on experience with microbial cultivation, including anaerobic or microaerobic techniques Experience with analytical methods for metabolite and substrate quantification (e.g. GC-FID, LC-MS, ¹³C-labelling) Familiarity with molecular biology and basic genetic engineering in bacteria Curiosity, scientific rigour, and genuine enthusiasm for fundamental physiological questions A collaborative mindset and excellent communication skills in English Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.  AssessmentCandidates will be assessed on the basis of their academic background in microbial physiology and metabolism, their hands-on laboratory experience, and their motivation for fundamental physiological research. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a formal interview with the principal supervisor and the co-supervisor. We offerDTU 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. Salary and appointment terms 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 3 years. Starting date is January 1st, 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position. You can read more about career paths at DTU here. Further information Further information may be obtained from Enrico Orsi (enricoo@dtu.dk) or co-supervisor Ruud Weusthuis (ruud.weusthuis@wur.nl), Wageningen University and Research. You can read more about us at www.bright.dtu.dk  If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.  Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 August 2026 (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: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Curriculum vitae  Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. 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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. BRIGHT – Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green TransitionThe Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (BRIGHT) is a flagship initiative hosted at DTU, one of the world’s top 5 universities in biotechnology research and innovation. BRIGHT connects and amplifies biotechnology and bioproduction research, innovation, and education across the entire value chain — from bold ideas in the lab to real-world implementation in industry. Focused on three missions — sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture — BRIGHT aims to accelerate the development of scalable biosolutions for Europe and beyond, guiding the way towards a more sustainable, circular, and competitive bioeconomy.   Apply Now