Postdoc in Hepatitis virus and advanced therapeutics at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology Full-time

Postdoctoral Position in Hepatitis Virus Research

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM) to work at Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) to commence May 1, 2026, and terminate November 30th 2027.

Our research

During this postdoctoral position, you will investigate the molecular and cellular biology of hepatitis virus infections, contributing to cutting-edge research aimed at understanding virus–host interactions and improving strategies to combat viral hepatitis.

You will join the research program of Professor Jens Bukh and become part of the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), a large and internationally recognized research center comprising more than 50 scientists. CO-HEP is embedded within the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM) at the University of Copenhagen and closely linked to the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hvidovre Hospital, creating a unique environment that bridges fundamental virology with clinical research.

Your primary workplace will be at the University of Copenhagen, within a vibrant and highly collaborative scientific environment. Our research culture emphasizes ambitious, team-oriented science, open exchange of ideas, and close mentorship. We are committed to maintaining a dynamic and inclusive workplace with a diverse international staff and balanced representation across career stages and genders.

Your job

Your project will focus on hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and their interactions with host cells. The specific project will be defined in collaboration with your supervisor, Jens Bukh.

The work will involve a broad range of experimental approaches, including virus cultivation, molecular biology assays, and functional characterization of virus–host interactions. You will also apply advanced transcriptomic approaches such as bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, using samples derived from both our in vivo and in vitro model systems.

We promote an inclusive and collaborative research environment, and you will be expected to actively contribute to method development and to the design and development of new research projects in close collaboration with colleagues across the program. The successful candidate will demonstrate a high level of motivation, ambition and engagement in their research.

Principal supervisor is Professor Jens Bukh, Director of Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM).

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• You have a PhD in life or health sciences
• You are highly experienced in virus research
• You have an active interest in virology, antivirals and advanced models of viral infections
• Experience in hepatitis viruses
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

• Experience working with cell-based models of hepatitis virus infections
• Experience in cell-based assays with focus on virus production and neutralization
• Experience with analysis of RNA viruses and DNA viruses, titration by cell-based assays, (qPCR), nucleic acid characterization by NGS and state-of-the-art RNA seq methods (bulk, spatial, single-cell RNA sequencing)

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen at Panum. We offer unique and inspiring working conditions as part of a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories including state of the art core facilities for cell characterization and sequence analysis.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week of which the university will provide salary support for 3 hours. The applicant is expected to secure funding from external sources for the remaining 34 hours per week for the duration of the position.

The position is a fixed-term position ending on November 30th 2027. The starting date is 1 June, 2026

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisations. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 35,000 DKK/approx. 4,700 EUR (October 2021 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

Questions

For further information please contact Professor Jens Bukh.

Application procedure

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking 'Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications: 26 May 2026, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 17-18.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.