DTU Tenure Track Assistant Professor in T Cell Functions in Autoimmunity - DTU Health Tech

A tenure track assistant professor position is available in the Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology (xTI), Dept. of Health Technology (DTU Health Tech), at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). At DTU Health Technology you will work with world leading scientists to explore new avenues and develop new technologies within the fast-developing field of immunology and immunotherapy.

In the Section of Experimental and Translational Immunology, we are focusing on understanding immune regulation, recognition and signaling to unravel disease mechanism, and translate immunological finding into therapeutic strategies via design of nanomaterial to actively engage or manipulate the immune system. We are developing new technologies to push the boundaries of exploration and gain novel knowledge. 

Research on immune cell engineering is rapidly advancing, with increasing focus on translational applications for immunotherapy. This position centers on the discovery and identification of molecular targets involved in T cell function in inflammation, autoimmune disease and cancer. Key responsibilities include developing and applying advanced screening approaches to elucidate disease-relevant pathways, characterizing immune cell interactions across tissue compartments, and translating these findings into actionable therapeutic strategies. A significant component will involve the design, engineering, and functional testing of proteins or binders that can modulate immune environments and alter disease outcomes, ultimately aiming to generate innovative interventions for immune-mediated diseases.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The applicant will be responsible for leading research projects at the interface of translational immunology, with a particular focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of T cell function in inflammation and autoimmune disease, as well as the interplay of immune cells across different tissue compartments. The aim is to identify targetable pathways and proteins and ultimately translate these insights into novel therapeutic strategies. The applicant should have an ambition to establish a research group in this field and work towards that ambition.

The applicant must have expertise in advanced multicolour spectral flow cytometry, including multi-parameter sorting and single cell sequencing technologies. Strong experience in bioinformatics, large-scale data analysis and the integration of experimental and computational methods is essential. A background in protein engineering and manufacturing is required, as is proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as advanced PCR, cloning and CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing. Demonstrated knowledge in T cell immunology and screening technologies and experience with the cultivation and manipulation of both primary and established cell lines, particularly T cells, is required.

Active engagement with external collaborators, acquisition of research funding, student supervision, and participation in teaching activities are expected. Accordingly, prior experience in project leadership and supervision of master’s and PhD students is required.

Essential Requirements for the position:

• Expertise in protein engineering, expression, and high-throughput functional screening
• Proficiency in multi-colour spectral flow cytometry and high-parameter cell sorting techniques
• Experience with T cell recognition assays and functional editing
• Bioinformatic analysis and integration of high-dimensional datasets
• Advanced PCR techniques, cloning and culturing of various cell types

You must be responsible for the teaching of courses. DTU employs two working languages: Danish and English. You are expected to be fluent in at least one of these languages, and in time are expected to master both.

As formal qualification you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

You will be assessed against the responsibilities and qualifications stated above and the following general criteria:

• Experience and quality of teaching 
• Research experience 
• Research vision and potential
• International impact and experience 
• Societal impact
• Innovativeness, including commercialization and collaboration with industry
• Leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary skills
• Communication skills

Salary and terms of employment
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. 

Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is a full-time position. 

The position is part of DTU’s Tenure Track program. Read more about the