PhD Scholarship in Immunoinformatics and Machine Learning

DTU Bioinformatics 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. We run projects combining big data and laboratory research via the national supercomputing center (Computerome) and molecular genomics laboratories

A PhD scholarship is available in the Immunoinformatics and Machine-Learning group headed by Professor Morten Nielsen, at the Department of Bio and Health Informatics. 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. When T cells scrutinize the surface of cells for foreign peptides presented in complex with MHC (Major histocompatibility complex) molecules, MHC merely presents a minor proportion of the peptides produced within a cell on the cell surface, and only a minor proportion of these 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 (epitope). To continue on a successful track of work started more than 15 years ago, we are looking for a highly motivated and talented candidate to carry out a PhD project on "Improved immunoinformatic methods for rational T and B cell epitope discovery". The project will focus on further advancing our understanding of the rules associated with the process of MHC antigen presentation and T and B cell receptor recognition of their cognate epitope targets, with the aim of developing improved methods for rational epitope discovery.

The PhD student will primarily be: 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 see the DTU PhD Guide.

An assessment panel will assess the applicants based on both personal and academic qualifications. 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. 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 years, starting from March 1st, 2019 or as soon as possible hereafter.

Further information may be obtained from Professor Morten Nielsen, +45 4525 2425 or by email mniel@bioinformatics.dtu.dk You can read more about DTU Bioinformatics at www.bioinformatics.dtu.dk/english Application Please submit your online application no later than 4 January 2019 (local time). To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form. The following must be attached in English: Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.