Staff Scientist in Vaccines and Immunity

NIVI Research is embedded in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Background

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), launched in December 2023, has a unique mission to harness airway immunity through innovative vaccine research and development to prevent airborne epidemics. NIVI has two parts:

• NIVI Research (NIVI-R): A state-of-the-art research center anchored to the University of Copenhagen, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (www.isim.ku.dk).
• NIVI Development (NIVI-D): A company that focuses on translational sciences and advancing vaccine development.

NIVI-R conducts scientific research, while NIVI-D works to quickly turn that research into new vaccine candidates. NIVI-D accelerates clinical trials (phases 1 and 2) and ensures a smooth transition to partners for later stages of development.

By connecting science, innovation, clinical trials, regulatory processes, and product development, NIVI aims to streamline the journey from research to real-world vaccines.

Who are we?

The Human Organoid facility is a newly established research team within NIVI-R. It conducts independent research projects and runs a Human Organoid facility as a core resource for the research center. We primarily work with upper respiratory and immune organoids, which closely replicate human immune responses to pathogens and vaccines (Wagar, L. et al. Nature Medicine, 2021; Chen, X. & Ghanizada, M. et al. Nature Immunology, 2025). The team's research focus aligns with NIVI-R's overall goal of enhancing our understanding of human immune response and airway immunity. In addition, we will serve as a human organoid facility that collaborates closely with other groups at NIVI-R while continuing to develop organoid systems. The Human Organoid facility has approximately 5 members and is led by Mustafa Ghanizada, MD.

Homepage:

If you want to learn more, please visit: www.isim.ku.dk and https://nivi.ku.dk/

Work assignments:

The work assignments in the facility are:

• Develop, establish, and maintain iPSC-based human cell and organoid models.
• To independently perform predefined research projects using iPSC-derived cell types, organoid models, and other human cell-based systems to address research questions related to human immunity, infection, and airway biology.
• To develop, optimize existing protocols, and experiment with new organoid models.
• To train people in organoid culture work and basic assays.
• To plan and perform experiments in collaboration with the other NIVI-R groups.
• To manage the organoid facility (e.g., overview of human sampling cohort, tissue processing, and experiment planning).

Much of the daily work is done independently. The successful candidate will be expected to plan and prioritize activities, coordinate with the facility team and collaborating research groups, troubleshoot unexpected challenges, and implement new experimental workflows.

We are looking for a staff scientist with the following competencies and experience:

• A person with strong knowledge of cell biology, or a closely related field, with an interest in applying human model systems to understand airway immune responses and respiratory infections.
• A person with at least 3 years of documented laboratory experience in advanced human cell culture, preferably involving iPSCs, human primary cells, or tissue-derived models.
• Hands-on experience with iPSC culture and/or iPSC-derived cell models, including experience with maintaining, expanding, differentiating, and characterizing iPSCs and/or iPSC-derived cells.
• Experience with organoid culture and/or developing 3D human models would be highly beneficial but not required.
• Experience with cellular and immunological assays, including immunostaining/imaging, cryo-sectioning, flow cytometry, ELISA, and similar methods.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design, plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments.
• Experience in developing, optimizing, and establishing new experimental protocols, with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and improving reproducibility.
• Experience working with high-dimensional data and the ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex experimental datasets.
• An interest in human organoid models and human immunology.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an independent, collaborative mindset to support the mission.
• Experience in training and supervising students, lab technicians, or junior researchers, as well as in laboratory or facility management.
• You have a high degree of drive and pro-activeness with the ability to respond effectively to new tasks and changing priorities in a dynamic, project-driven research environment.
• You are a team player, goal-oriented, and have an innovative mindset, which allows you to put forth new ideas and make them practical.
• Ability to organize, plan, and execute administrative and organizational tasks independently, including experimental planning, scheduling, documentation, resource management, and prioritization of competing activities.

Qualifications:

Education should be at Master of Science level or equivalent, preferably with a PhD in stem cell biology, cell biology, immunology, or a related field. You must have documented experience in advanced cell culture techniques. Your approach to the position should integrate independent research and the facility's services to foster collaboration with other NIVI-R research groups and their experiments.

We offer:

• Unique opportunities to become part of a solid new research program.
• International and stimulating workplace in constant development, working with the newest human organoid models under strong international leading collaborations.
• A versatile and exciting job with many challenges and a big influence on how the job is organized.
• A job that combines both part-time research and part-time facility management.
• A job with opportunities for participation in meetings/courses where relevant.
• A job where we constantly develop the facility with new protocols (e.g., optimize current organoid models and develop new).
• A job that offers flexibility.
• A job in a coherent group with an informal and relaxed work environment.
• Great infrastructure facilities located in central Copenhagen, Denmark.

Salary and terms of employment:

The employment as an academic research officer/staff scientist is a full-time position (37 hours per week) for 3 years starting 1 January 2027. Employment will be under The Circular on the Collective Agreement concerning Academics in the state sector concluded between the Danish Ministry of Finance and Akademikerne (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations). There will be an opportunity to negotiate supplements based on qualifications. You can read more about salary levels in the state sector www.loenoverblik.dk (in Danish). The applicable pension contribution will be in accordance with the relevant collective agreement.

Application:

Your application should be in English and include:

• Letter of motivation addressing the requirements (max. one page)
• Curriculum Vitae (including 2 references)
• Publications list
• A certified/signed copy of the certificate(s) of education

Please submit your application by clicking on “Apply Now” below.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the above-mentioned requirements.

Application deadline: 25 October 2026

The University wishes to reflect the diversity of the surrounding society and encourages all qualified candidates, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Questions:

For further information regarding the position, please contact Mustafa Ghanizada, MD, by email at m.ghanizada@sund.ku.dk

The University of Copenhagen has established a new shared administrative organizational structure, which is currently being implemented. This entails ongoing changes and the development of, among other things, workflows and interfaces for collaboration.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.