International PhD Fellowships in Epidemiology and Control of Swine Influenza Virus

We are offering a PhD fellowship in in epidemiology and control of swine influenza virus commencing 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Our group and research
The virology group is a part of Section of Clinical Microbiology and strives to increase the current knowledge of new and existing viral pathogens, to bridge both animal and human health and life science. We collaborate with leading partners, both nationally and internationally, in order to contribute new scientific discoveries, develop innovative tools and services and novel types of interventions. We conduct virus infection experiments from the molecular level to the disease level within a range of appropriate ‘state of the art’ containment facilities. Selected focus areas include research on the mechanisms underlying virus disease within the natural host animals, on host-pathogen interactions, on virus evolution and adaptation, and on immune-escape mechanisms and vaccine development and activities related to ONE HEALTH - Integrating human and animal health aspects especially activities concerning zoonotic diseases.
Project description
The aim of this PhD project is to improve our knowledge of the epidemiology and control of swine influenza virus in large intensive pig production systems. The focus of the research will be to study the epidemiology of swine influenza in herds and to design and evaluate efficient methods for the efficient control of the virus using management interventions and vaccines. The project is part of a larger EU project with participation of five European countries so the project involve intensive collaboration with both international scientists and the Danish Pig industry (SEGES). The tasks performed by the PhD-students will be to design and perform field studies, perform laboratory analyses for influenza virus and other pathogens and to participate in detailed statistical analyses of data. In addition, the student will participate in similar studies in other EU countries.

Principal supervisor is Professor Lars Erik Larsen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, lael@sund.ku.dk, Direct Phone +45 40998434. Co-supervisors will be Head of Department Nicolai Rosager Weber from SEGES and Post Doc Pia Ryt-Hansen, UCPH

Start:          1 October 2021
Duration:    3 years as a PhD student
Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are to:

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
• Participate in active research environments including a stay at another research team in another country
• Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teach and disseminate your knowledge
• Write a PhD thesis and scientific articles on the grounds of your project

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project e.g. MSc degree in veterinary medicine or related areas. The applicant must have completed courses in Advanced Laboratory Animal Science (level ABD)

Other important criteria are:

• The grade point average achieved
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in swine diseases and/or animal virology
• English in writing and orally

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agree¬ment between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary begins around 26.788 DKK /approx. 3.600 EUR (April 2021-level) plus pension.

Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ within the link. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:  

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page) 
2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position 
3. Master of Science diploma and transcript of records. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor will do 
4. Publication list (if possible)