Job Description

Allergic diseases affect 30 to 40% of the global population, and many patients are polysensitised, reacting to multiple structurally related allergens due to cross-reactivity. Current allergen immunotherapy requires 3 to 5 years of repeated exposure, often causes adverse reactions, and typically targets only one allergen at a time.

We are working on a translational project combining allergen design with mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based delivery to generate broadly protective immune responses against cross-reactive allergen families, starting with nsLTP-mediated food and pollen allergy.

We seek a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with strong immunology and molecular biology expertise to lead formulation optimisation and indication expansion for our mRNA-LNP allergen immunotherapy platform, with the aim of spinning out the project as a startup company in the future.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You will play a central role in translating consensus allergen designs into a validated mRNA-LNP therapeutic candidate. Your responsibilities will include:

• mRNA-LNP formulation screening and characterisation, in collaboration with our LNP formulation partner
• Dose and immunisation schedule optimisation in mouse models
• ELISA-based quantification of allergen-specific IgG and IgE titres, and competitive inhibition assays
• Flow cytometry analysis of T-cell populations (Th1/Th2/regulatory) in spleen and lymph node
• Design and validation of new consensus allergens for additional allergen families
• Recombinant protein expression and structural validation of consensus allergens
• IgE recognition testing using patient sera and mast cell degranulation assays (LAD2)
• Close collaboration with formulation, immunology, and clinical translation partners
• Data analysis, manuscript preparation, and supervision of students where relevant
• Scientific project management and co-leadership
• Support the later transition of the project into a spinout company

The position is primarily laboratory-based at DTU Bioengineering, with close ties to the project's translational and commercialisation activities.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field
• Has strong hands-on experience in immunological assays (ELISA, flow cytometry)
• Has experience with recombinant protein expression and purification
• Has documented experience in allergy, immunotherapy, or related antigen-specific immune response research
• Has demonstrated the ability to contribute to impactful peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstrates the ability to work both independently and in interdisciplinary teams

It will be considered an advantage if you have:

• Experience with mRNA or nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms
• Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation or characterisation
• Experience working in translational or industry-oriented research environments
• Experience with innovation-focused projects and/or startup

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

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: https://www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 1.5 years.

Starting date is 1 October 2026 (or according to mutual agreement).

The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Esperanza Rivera de Torre (erdto@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Bioengineering at www.bioengineering.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 3 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time)

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• FELASA certification

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.¨

About the Department
The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.