Research Group Leader of Vaccine Technologies & Platforms (Associate Professor)

As Group Leader of Vaccine Technologies & Platforms, serving as a Principal Investigator for NIVI-R, the incumbent will be responsible to lead and supervise a multidisciplinary research group focussed on vaccine technologies and their application to improve prophylaxis against airway pathogens. The research agenda will investigate and advance vaccine technologies, in collaboration with the Group Leaders of Disease Areas within NIVI-R, as next generation candidate vaccines. Research activities may include adapting vaccine technologies and platform for airway delivery and presentation of the immunogen(s) to the immune system. Systemic delivery could also be addressed including novel ‘push-pull’ IM and Airway delivery prime-boost approaches. Novel means of delivering platforms systemically that are better designed to direct immunity to the airway may also be included. Head-to-Head comparisons of vaccine technologies within a project will be a crucial objective to select vaccine platform(s) for advancement.

In this NIVI-R leadership position an outward facing role will also be required to partner and acquire access to an array of different vaccine technologies; including but not limited to, computationally designed proteins, Next Generation Structured Arrays (NGSAs), glycoconjugates, mRNA and others. Close collaboration will also be required with NIVI-R’s Formulation Science group. Creating and maintaining research facilities and research teaching will be important aspects of the position. The employment will be as either associate professor to commence as soon as possible. We are looking for candidates, who are either just starting their group leader journey or have already a few years of experience leading a group. NIVI Research will provide the opportunity and environment for you to advance your career.

Responsibilities

• Scientific/Research Leadership & Management: As Group Leader, the incumbent will be responsible for hiring the group, and will subsequently lead and manage the multidisciplinary group, providing guidance and supervision.
• Research Facilities: Design, implement and maintain state-of-the-art facilities for the purposes of discovery and research.
• Cross Collaboration: Provide collaborative leadership and participate in cross-cutting teams to ensure research will be closely integrated with other closely related NIVI research groups. Ensure collaboration with the rest of the Department, the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and the University of Copenhagen.
• External Partnerships & Collaborations: Working closely with NIVI Research’s Director of External R&D and partner and collaborate with external groups to gain access to model systems and related technologies.
• Design: Design, discover and optimise new methods, technologies and innovations to further the scientific agenda of NIVI Research.
• Strive for Translational Sciences Excellence: Lead close collaborations with NIVI Development to ensure that research activities have a strong basis in translational sciences. Research-based teaching, in the form of supervision and course-based teaching in relevant fields.
• Representation: Act as a representative externally for NIVI Research and NIVI at scientific events and congresses internationally, as well as support NIVI Research’s Leadership Team. The incumbent will also play a crucial role supporting the governance of NIVI Research. Obligation to share knowledge with the rest of society, including participation in public debate.
• Publication: Responsible for the publication strategy for the group, striving for the highest impact publications and presentations at key congresses.
• Affiliation: This position will be employed at the University of Copenhagen as an Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), who hosts the Center.
• Network: Build and maintain a Key Opinion Leader network.

Six overall criteria apply for associate professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, to qualify as an associate professor the candidate must be able to document:

• Research qualifications corresponding to that achieved after completing an employment as postdoc/assistant professor – or similar.
• Ph.D. in a relevant field of biology and a background in molecular biology, biochemistry, vaccine and/or infectious disease is an advantage.
• Experience in vaccine related discovery and research with a strong acumen for vaccine platforms, and interest in leading a research group of scientists and technicians with state-of-the-art facilities.
• Leadership skills able to champion NIVI values and motivate diverse teams – or interest in developing these skills.
• Teaching qualifications, and preferably pedagogical competencies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and experience in complex organizations.
• Appetite for change and change management.
• Proven agile ways of working. Interest in working on complex projects across multiple geographical locations.