PhD Fellowship in Trained Immunity in Zebrafish at the University of Copenhagen
Job Description
The University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD fellowship in fish immunology using zebrafish, studying how neutrophils and macrophages build a form of innate immune memory called trained immunity, with the aim of better vaccines for sustainable aquaculture. The project is funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark.
At a glance
- Position: PhD fellowship, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Project: Decoding innate immune signatures driving trained and adaptive immunity in fish, using zebrafish in vivo and in vitro models
- Group: Experimental Fish Models (Exfimo)
- Start: 1 January 2027 or by agreement
- Apply: 20 September 2026, 23:59
About the PhD project
- Immunise larval and adult zebrafish by microinjection and run infection challenges, including with the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and the bacterium Vibrio anguillarum
- Analyse immune gene expression and image immune responses in living fish
- Isolate innate immune cells, stimulate them with defined antigens and analyse them functionally and molecularly
- Identify innate immune signatures and biomarkers that predict long-lasting protection, and take part in the group’s teaching and research
A Danish PhD combines supervised research with about 30 ECTS of PhD courses, a research stay at another group, and some teaching or dissemination, ending in a PhD thesis. Positions are advertised with a fixed project and supervisor, and applicants apply to that specific project.
What University of Copenhagen is looking for
- A background in immunology, infection biology or molecular biology
- Curiosity, enthusiasm for learning new techniques and interest in developing your own ideas within the project
Nice to have
- Zebrafish work, advanced microscopy (in vivo or confocal imaging), host-pathogen interactions, innate immunity or vaccination
- Microinjection, immune cell isolation, gene expression analysis, quantitative data analysis or bioinformatics (an advantage, not a requirement)
Pay and location
Salary, pension and terms of employment follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC); the posting gives no figure. The position is based in Copenhagen, Denmark.
How to apply
Apply through the official University of Copenhagen page. The closing date is 20 September 2026, 23:59. Apply through the University of Copenhagen job portal using the “Apply now” link on the official posting, which lists the documents to include.
See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: University of Copenhagen
Official advertisement: employment.ku.dk
How to prepare for this application
- Trained immunity: read how innate immune cells can gain memory-like responses.
- Zebrafish models: know why larvae are good for live imaging of immune cells.
- Techniques: mention any microinjection, confocal imaging or qPCR experience.
- Aquaculture context: think about why better fish vaccines matter.
- Deadline: it closes on 20 September 2026, so apply promptly.
About the University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen, founded in 1479, is Denmark's oldest and largest university. In Denmark, PhD students are normally employed on full-time salaried contracts, with pay and terms set by national collective agreements, and the standard PhD lasts three years after a master's degree.
