PhD Fellowship in Medical Entomology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship in Medical Entomology focused on surveillance strategies for mosquito-borne infections of human and veterinary importance. The position is based at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027, or after agreement.

The PhD project will bring together medical entomology, vector surveillance, veterinary disease control, epidemiology, disease modelling, and quantitative data analysis. The successful candidate will work with biologists, veterinarians, and disease modellers in the Vector Group, which is part of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Research Group within the Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control.

The Vector Group is located at the Frederiksberg Campus of the University of Copenhagen and has responsibility for national vector surveillance and scientific advice concerning vector-borne disease risks to national authorities.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	PhD Fellow in Medical Entomology
Project	Surveillance Strategies for Mosquito-Borne Infections
University	University of Copenhagen
Department	Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Faculty	Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Research Group	Vector Group / Epidemiology and Disease Control
Location	Frederiksberg Campus, Copenhagen, Denmark
Research Areas	Medical Entomology, Vector Surveillance, Epidemiology, Disease Modelling
Main Focus	Mosquito-borne infections of human and veterinary importance
Duration	3 years
Employment	Full time
Working Hours	Average 37 hours per week
Expected Start	January 1, 2027, or after agreement
PhD Scheme	5+3
Application Deadline	August 30, 2026, at 23:59 CET
Working Language	English

About the Research Environment

The successful PhD researcher will join the Vector Group, working alongside biologists, veterinarians, and disease modellers. The group forms part of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Research Group within the Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control.

The wider section includes research groups working in One Health, Ethology, Bioethics, Health Economics, Animal Production, and Genetics. This provides a multidisciplinary environment in which vector surveillance can be connected with veterinary medicine, public health, epidemiology, and disease-control strategies.

The PhD researcher will be closely connected to the National Vector Surveillance Program and two EU-funded projects commencing on January 1, 2027: Surveillance of West Nile virus and Prevention, Detection and Control of Mosquito-Borne Arboviruses.

The research environment is particularly relevant for candidates interested in understanding how surveillance data can be transformed into practical information for disease prevention and risk assessment.

About the PhD Project

The PhD student will develop an independent research study based on activities within the EU-funded projects and the monitoring of Danish vector-borne diseases of veterinary relevance.

The project will be conducted under the supervision of senior researchers in the Vector Group. A central component of the group’s work is monitoring insect and tick disease vectors, assessing disease risks, and providing scientific advice to authorities.

The PhD project is designed around four major objectives: improving mosquito surveillance techniques, extracting new epidemiological information from surveillance data, predicting the distribution of emerging mosquito species, and developing a web-based dashboard for national vector surveillance.

This makes the fellowship particularly suitable for applicants interested in combining field entomology with quantitative epidemiology and data-driven disease surveillance.

Research Objective 1: Improving Mosquito Surveillance

The first objective is to improve surveillance techniques for mosquitoes and associated pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic importance.

The researcher will investigate and quantify uncertainties associated with different surveillance approaches. Areas of investigation include:

• Mosquito trap types
• Field methods for pathogen collection
• Identification of high-risk areas for mosquito trapping
• Seasonal timing of mosquito collections
• Use of attractants for target mosquito species

The aim is to improve the quality and reliability of surveillance data while developing a better understanding of how sampling decisions influence disease surveillance outcomes.

Research Objective 2: Epidemiological Information and Time-Series Analysis

The second objective involves exploring new methods for extracting epidemiological information from mosquito surveillance programs.

A particular focus will be placed on the growing Danish mosquito database. The researcher will investigate mosquito population dynamics and temporal patterns using quantitative approaches such as time-series analysis and ARIMA models.

This part of the project offers an opportunity for a researcher with interests in statistical modelling, epidemiology, surveillance data, and computational analysis to develop advanced quantitative skills.

Combining long-term mosquito surveillance data with epidemiological methods may help identify patterns that can support improved monitoring and risk assessment.

Research Objective 3: Mapping Culex modestus

The third objective is to map and predict the distribution of emerging Culex modestus in the Nordic region.

The work will be conducted in collaboration with Nordic partners and will contribute to understanding the geographic distribution and potential spread of this mosquito species.

This component combines medical entomology, field surveillance, geographic information, data analysis, and predictive approaches.

Research Objective 4: National Vector Surveillance Dashboard

The fourth objective is the development of a new web-based dashboard for the national vector surveillance program.

The dashboard is intended to serve several groups, including:

• Veterinary authorities
• Health authorities
• Farmers
• The general public

The project therefore includes an important knowledge-transfer and communication component. The successful candidate will help transform scientific surveillance information into a format that can be used by stakeholders beyond the research community.

The ability to communicate scientific information clearly will therefore be an important part of the PhD.

Participation in EU-Funded Research Projects

The PhD researcher will participate in ongoing EU-funded surveillance and research projects. This may include taking responsibility for specific project activities such as fieldwork, data analysis, data reporting to EFSA and the EU, and preparation of scientific publications.

The role therefore combines independent PhD research with contributions to larger collaborative research programs.

This provides valuable experience in international research collaboration, scientific reporting, field-based surveillance, and publication of research findings.

PhD Responsibilities

As a PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the successful candidate will carry out an independent research project under supervision.

The PhD programme includes approximately 30 ECTS of PhD courses or equivalent education. The researcher will also participate in active research environments, including a research stay with another research team.

Teaching and knowledge dissemination will form part of the PhD experience. The researcher will gain experience communicating knowledge related to the project and will ultimately write a PhD thesis based on the research project.

The position therefore combines scientific research with professional development in teaching, communication, collaboration, and scientific dissemination.

Required Academic Background

The fellowship is part of the three-year full-time PhD programme within the 5+3 scheme.

It is intended for candidates with a relevant academic degree in the project’s subject area, such as:

• MSc in Biology / cand.scient.
• MSc in Veterinary Medicine / cand.med.vet.
• Other closely related degrees relevant to the project

Applicants should have an academic background that enables them to work across vector biology, disease surveillance, epidemiology, or related areas.

Educational Requirements for Danish Applicants

Applicants who completed their academic education in Denmark must hold a relevant master’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS at bachelor’s level plus 120 ECTS at master’s level.

The degree should be relevant to the scientific area of the PhD project.

Requirements for International Applicants

Candidates educated outside Denmark must have either a qualification equivalent to a Danish master’s degree or, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS together with academic qualifications at master’s level.

Applicants must also receive a positive academic evaluation and be assessed as qualified for the position.

International candidates should therefore carefully document their academic background and provide the required degree and transcript documentation with their application.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria

Several factors will be considered during the assessment process.

The grade point average achieved during previous studies will be taken into account, alongside professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project.

Experience with mosquito identification is described as a major advantage. Previous publications and relevant professional experience will also be considered.

Experience with planning and conducting fieldwork is particularly useful for this project because mosquito surveillance requires practical field activities.

The ideal candidate should have a curious mindset and a strong interest in disease surveillance and quantitative epidemiology.

Communication and Language Skills

Good communication skills in English, both oral and written, are required.

English is the working language of the research environment.

Knowledge of Danish is an important advantage, particularly because the project involves planning mosquito collections on private properties and developing an online dashboard intended for use in Denmark.

Candidates who can communicate effectively with researchers, authorities, property owners, farmers, and other stakeholders may therefore be particularly well suited to the position.

Teamwork and Other Requirements

The position requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

The project involves biologists, veterinarians, disease modellers, Nordic research partners, and authorities, so the ability to work across disciplinary and professional boundaries will be important.

A driver’s licence valid for Denmark is essential.

Place of Employment

The place of employment is the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The department offers a creative and stimulating working environment within a dynamic and international research setting.

The department is responsible for national vector surveillance and provides scientific advice to national authorities concerning vector-borne disease risks.

This gives the PhD fellow an opportunity to work on research with direct relevance to veterinary and public health decision-making.

Employment Terms

The position is a full-time fixed-term appointment for three years, with an average working week of 37 hours.

The expected start date is January 1, 2027, or after agreement.

Employment is conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.

The successful applicant must submit an application for the specific PhD project formulated by the applicant, and this application must be accepted as part of the enrolment process.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with the applicable Danish rules governing PhD programmes and the Faculty’s requirements for achieving the degree.

Terms of appointment and payment follow the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the applicable Protocol on Job Structure.

Selection Process

After the application deadline, an authorized recruitment manager will select applicants for academic assessment based on advice from the hiring committee. Applicants will be notified whether their application has been forwarded to an unbiased assessor. The assessor will conduct a non-prioritized evaluation of the candidate’s academic qualifications and experience in relation to the research area, techniques, skills, and other requirements described in the vacancy.

After the assessment has been completed, each applicant will have an opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment concerning their own application. The applicants will be assessed according to the applicable Danish rules concerning the appointment of academic staff at universities. Interviews are expected to take place during weeks 40 and 41 of 2026.

Application Documents

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Apply Now system. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application, maximum one page.
2. Curriculum vitae, including education, experience, language skills, and other skills relevant to the position.
3. Certified copy of the original MSc diploma and transcript of records in the original language, together with an authorized English translation if the documents are issued in a language other than English or Danish.
4. Publication list, if available.

Candidates who have not yet completed their master’s degree may submit a certified or signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from their institution or supervisor.

For international degrees, the master’s qualification must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. Applicants are encouraged to consult the relevant Danish assessment database, and the university may request an assessment of the applicant’s education by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. Applications that do not meet the stated requirements may also be excluded from consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this PhD fellowship about?

The PhD focuses on developing improved surveillance strategies for mosquito-borne infections of human and veterinary importance. The project combines mosquito surveillance, epidemiology, data analysis, spatial prediction, and disease-risk assessment.

Where is the PhD position based?

The position is based at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, with the Vector Group located at the Frederiksberg Campus.

What are the main research topics?

The project covers mosquito surveillance techniques, pathogen collection, mosquito population dynamics, time-series analysis, mapping of Culex modestus, and development of a national vector surveillance dashboard.

Will the PhD involve fieldwork?

Yes. Fieldwork is an important part of the project, and experience with planning and conducting fieldwork is an advantage.

Is mosquito identification experience required?

Experience with mosquito identification is a major advantage according to the vacancy.

What quantitative methods will be used?

The project specifically mentions population dynamics and time-series analysis, including approaches such as ARIMA models.

What is Culex modestus?

The PhD includes mapping and predicting the distribution of emerging Culex modestus in the Nordic region in collaboration with Nordic partners.

Will the researcher work with EU projects?

Yes. The PhD researcher will participate in EU-funded surveillance and research projects, including projects focused on West Nile virus and the prevention, detection, and control of mosquito-borne arboviruses.

Is Danish required?

English is the working language, but oral and written Danish is an important advantage, especially for mosquito collections on private properties and development of the online surveillance dashboard.

Is a driving licence required?

Yes. A driver’s licence for Denmark is essential for the position.

What degree is required?

The position is aimed at candidates with a relevant master’s-level qualification, such as an MSc in Biology or MSc in Veterinary Medicine, or another closely related degree.

How long is the fellowship?

The PhD fellowship is a three-year full-time position within the 5+3 PhD scheme.

What is the working schedule?

The average working time is 37 hours per week.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a one-page motivation letter, CV, certified master’s diploma and transcript or qualifying documentation, and a publication list if available.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is August 30, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

When will interviews take place?

Interviews are expected to be held in weeks 40 and 41 of 2026.

Who is the principal supervisor?

The principal supervisor is Senior Researcher René Bødker E-mail: kbn545@ku.dk at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

When does the PhD start?

The expected employment start date is January 1, 2027, or after agreement.