PhD Fellowship in Virus-Host Interactions at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM) at the University of Copenhagen is inviting applications for a PhD fellowship in Virus-Host Interactions. The fellowship will commence on November 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter and offers a three-year full-time PhD research opportunity.

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Professor Troels K. H. Scheel, which consists of approximately twelve scientists. The group is part of the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), involving around 50 researchers, and is affiliated with both the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen and the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hvidovre Hospital. The primary work location will be at the university.

The research environment is described as ambitious, dynamic, and international. The PhD project will focus on the molecular and cell biology of RNA virus infections, with particular emphasis on understanding how viruses interact with and exploit cellular systems.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	PhD Fellow in Virus-Host Interactions
University	University of Copenhagen
Department	Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM)
Research Group	Professor Troels K. H. Scheel’s group
Research Program	Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP)
Location	Copenhagen, Denmark
Research Area	Virology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, RNA Biology
Programme	5+3 PhD scheme
Duration	3 years
Working Hours	Full time, average 37 hours/week
Expected Start	November 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
Possible Lead-in	Up to 3 months as a research assistant
Salary	Approximately DKK 30,000/month depending on seniority, plus pension
Application Deadline	August 31, 2026, 23:59 CET
Language	English

About the Research Group

The research group investigates how viruses hijack cellular systems, with a particular focus on RNA biology. RNA viruses cause substantial disease worldwide, and the group studies a broad range of viral pathogens.

The research includes hepatitis viruses and flaviviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus, yellow fever virus, and Zika virus. The group also studies alphaviruses, including Sindbis and chikungunya viruses, as well as animal pathogens such as pestiviruses.

A central interest is virus-host interaction, particularly interactions involving RNA. These interactions are becoming increasingly important in understanding viral infection and may also represent potential therapeutic targets.

The group has recently identified and characterized several virus-host interactions, while significant questions remain about how these interactions operate during infection and how they relate to innate immunity.

Research Project

The specific PhD project on virus-host interactions will be defined together with the supervisor, Professor Troels Scheel. The project will investigate molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between RNA viruses and their host cells.

The research may involve a broad range of modern molecular virology and RNA biology techniques, including:

• Virus cultivation
• Molecular biology assays
• Functional characterization
• Translation reporter assays
• Replication reporter assays
• Crosslinking immunoprecipitation (CLIP)
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
• Related molecular and cellular methods

The PhD fellow will be expected to actively participate in method development and project development rather than simply applying established protocols. The position therefore requires a high level of motivation, ambition, scientific independence, and involvement in the research process.

Scientific Context and Recent Research

The group investigates RNA virus biology across multiple viral systems. Recent publications listed in the vacancy include research into viral RNA capping, virus-host RNA-RNA interactions, hepatitis C virus RNA modifications, viral and cellular microRNA interactomes, and infectious rat hepacivirus models.

These research activities provide context for the scientific environment in which the successful PhD candidate will work.

The position is particularly relevant for researchers interested in molecular virology, RNA biology, virus-host interactions, viral replication, translation, and advanced sequencing technologies.

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

Teaching and knowledge dissemination are also 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.

PhD Programme

The fellowship is part of the three-year full-time PhD research education within the 5+3 scheme. It is intended for candidates holding a relevant master’s degree within the project’s subject area, such as virology, molecular biology, cellular biology, systems biology, or related disciplines. Candidates who expect to obtain their master’s degree in the near future are also encouraged to apply.

For candidates educated in Denmark, admission requires a relevant master’s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS bachelor’s education plus 120 ECTS master’s education.

International applicants must either hold 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 the best qualified candidate for the position.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Candidates will be evaluated on their academic qualifications, research experience, and suitability for the project.

Relevant experience with virology, cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, high-throughput technologies, or immunology is considered an advantage. An interest in RNA viruses, molecular biology, and novel deep sequencing methods is also desirable.

Experience from long-term scientific projects completed during or after master’s studies is an important consideration. The selection process may also consider the applicant’s grade point average, publications, and other relevant professional activities.

Authorship of publications in high-quality scientific journals is an additional advantage.

Communication and Teamwork Skills

The successful applicant is expected to have strong interpersonal and communication skills. The working language is English, so good spoken, written, and reading skills in English are required.

The candidate should be capable of driving their research forward with independence and initiative while also contributing positively to the research group.

The department describes the working atmosphere as dedicated but pleasant, making the ability to collaborate effectively an important part of the position.

Workplace and Research Environment

The place of employment is the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The department offers creative and stimulating working conditions within a dynamic and international research environment. Researchers have access to modern laboratories and office facilities.

The successful candidate will therefore have the opportunity to develop advanced research skills in a multidisciplinary environment while working on contemporary questions in molecular virology and RNA biology.

Employment Terms

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

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 required project application can be developed during an initial employment period of up to three months as a research assistant, if applicable.

Salary, pension, and employment conditions follow the applicable agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations for academics employed by the state.

Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately DKK 30,000, roughly EUR 4,000 at the April 2026 level, plus pension.

Application Documents

Applications must be submitted electronically through the university’s Apply Now system. All required application documents should be provided in PDF format.

Applicants should include:

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

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

For international qualifications, the university may request an assessment of the applicant’s education by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is:

August 31, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

Applications received after the deadline may not be considered. The university also reserves the right not to consider applications that do not meet the stated requirements.

Selection Process

After the application deadline, applicants will be selected for academic assessment based on advice from the hiring committee. Applicants will be notified whether their application has been passed to an unbiased assessor.

The assessor will conduct a non-prioritized evaluation of academic qualifications and experience in relation to the research area, techniques, skills, and other requirements specified in the vacancy.

Candidates will have an opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment relating to their own application. The recruitment process follows the applicable Danish rules for the appointment of academic staff at universities.

Interviews are expected to take place in late September or October 2026.

Expected Start Date

The advertised employment start date is November 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The fellowship lasts three years, with the possibility of an initial research assistant lead-in period of up to three months.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should submit their application electronically through the APPLY NOW before the deadline.

The application should clearly demonstrate relevant academic preparation and research experience in areas such as virology, molecular biology, cell biology, RNA biology, immunology, microbiology, or related disciplines.

Applicants should also highlight any experience with virus cultivation, cell culture, molecular biology, RNA-seq, high-throughput technologies, reporter assays, or other relevant methods.

Questions specifically about the fellowship can be directed to Professor Troels K. H. Scheel, E-mail: ngb518@ku.dk the principal supervisor. The vacancy states that applications should be submitted through the official application system rather than sent directly to the supervisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PhD fellowship about?

The fellowship focuses on virus-host interactions, with an emphasis on the molecular and cell biology of RNA virus infections and RNA biology.

Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen, with the primary work location at the university.

Which viruses are studied by the research group?

The group studies hepatitis viruses, flaviviruses such as tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, alphaviruses such as Sindbis and chikungunya viruses, and animal pathogens including pestiviruses.

What techniques will the PhD researcher use?

The project may involve virus cultivation, molecular biology assays, functional characterization, translation and replication reporter assays, CLIP, RNA-seq, and related methods.

What academic background is required?

The fellowship is aimed at candidates with a relevant master’s degree in fields such as virology, molecular biology, cellular biology, systems biology, or related areas.

Can students who have not yet completed their MSc apply?

Yes. Candidates expecting to obtain their MSc degree in the near future are encouraged to apply, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Is previous virology experience required?

The vacancy states that experience with virology, cell culture, molecular biology, microbiology, high-throughput technology, or immunology is an advantage.

Is publication experience required?

A publication record is not stated as an absolute requirement, but authorship on publications in high-quality journals is an advantage.

What English level is required?

Good English speaking, reading, and writing skills are required because English is the working language.

How long is the PhD fellowship?

The position is a three-year full-time PhD fellowship.

Is there a possible research assistant period?

Yes. The position may include an additional lead-in period of up to three months as a research assistant.

What is the salary?

Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately DKK 30,000, roughly EUR 4,000 at the April 2026 level, plus pension.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is August 31, 2026, at 23:59 CET.

When is the position expected to start?

The expected start date is November 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit a one-page motivated application letter, CV, certified MSc diploma and transcript or qualifying documentation, and a publication list if available.

When will interviews take place?

Interviews are expected to be held in late September or October 2026.

Who is the principal supervisor?

The principal supervisor is Professor Troels K. H. Scheel E-mail: ngb518@ku.dk of the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program and Department of Immunology and Microbiology.