PhD Scholarship in Immunoinformatics DTU Health Tech

The Section of Bioinformatics DTU Health Tech is world leading within Immunoinformatics and Machine-Learning. Currently we are seeking a highly talented and motivated PhD student within the field of machine learning and Immunoinformatics.

Identification of T and B cell epitopes plays a major role in several biotechnological and clinical tasks and is central to our understanding of the immune system. T cells scrutinize the surface of cells for foreign peptides presented in complex with MHC (Major histocompatibility complex) molecules. MHC presents a proportion of the peptides produced within a cell on the cell surface and only a minor proportion of these (termed epitopes) are recognized by T cells. Likewise antibodies (or B cell receptors) recognize their molecular targets termed antigens in a highly specific manner via interactions between their binding site (paratope) and a specific region of the antigen (the epitope). Identifying the rules underlying the properties of these epitopes and their interaction with the target immune receptors is thus at the foundation for our basic understanding of adaptive immunity.

As part of the IEDB initiative this PhD position will be focused on these problems and use cutting edge machine learning and data mining techniques to gain novel insights and advance our understanding of the rules defining T and B cell immunogenicity.

If you are looking for the best possible foundation for establishing your scientific carriercareer and fulfilling your dreams and ambitions this position could be your opportunity.

If youre looking to launch your scientific career at the intersection of bioinformatics and machine learning this position supports a pathway toward academic excellence and research independence whilst also offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a global pharmaceutical leader.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project will be conducted in the inspiring environment at the Section of Bioinformatics at DTU Health Tech as part of the IML research group led by Professor Morten Nielsen in close collaboration with the IEDB leader team at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) San Diego California.

Your main focus will be centered on further developing the competences of the IML group within prediction of T and B cell immunogenicity and immunoinformatics in general. You will work with nearby bioinformatics postdocs and PhD students working on other projects within the group and experimental immunology colleagues.

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degreein one of the following areas: Bioinformatics Biology Engineering Computer science or related fields and have experience doing research within Bioinformatics.

You must moreover exhibit the following professional and personal qualifications:

• Strong background within machine learning and immunoinformatics is a requirement
• Knowledge of the basic concepts of the cellular immune system is a plus
• Capability of taking personal responsibility for your work and your results
• Flexibility and a general positive attitude to changes
• Motivation by both individual and team accomplishments
• Strong communication skills in both written and verbal English

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please seeDTUs rules for the PhD education.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 yearswith starting date of 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible hereafter.

You can read more aboutcareer paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Morten Nielsen and atImmunoinformatics and Machine Learning (IML).

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at If you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU atDTU Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than15 March 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
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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.

Section of Bioinformatics
The section of Bioinformatics within DTU Health Tech has its main research and teaching activities in bio-medical and bio-technological informatics metagenomics epidemiology integrative systems biology and machine learning. The research at DTU Bioinformatics is focused on bioinformatics and computational analyses of large amounts of data generated within biological biomedical and biotechnological and life sciences area. We strive to gain new knowledge and drive innovation in human animal plant and food science and collaborate with all relevant industries. A cornerstone in achieving this is the dedicated effort within DTU Bioinformatics to develop bioinformatics immuno-informatics metagenomics and systems biology methods and solutions to the challenge of handling and interpreting large scale and heterogeneous big data.

DTU Health Tech engages in research education and innovation base on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The Healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Techs expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques across digital health and biological modelling to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons 130 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UNs 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13500 students and 6000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive evolving and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.