Postdoc in Airway Inflammatory Pathways in Childhood Asthma - DTU Bioengineering

If you are establishing your career as an experimental scientist and are motivated to work at the forefront of translational immunology and airway biology, this position offers a unique opportunity. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will investigate fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying virus-induced childhood asthma using advanced human airway cell models. Your work will contribute directly to developing future precision medicine strategies for severe asthma, within a highly collaborative and internationally recognised research environment.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking the GSDMB gene to virus-induced airway inflammation in childhood asthma, particularly in non-atopic and virus-driven disease subtypes. Recent genetic discoveries implicating the 17q locus suggest a key role for GSDMB-mediated pyroptosis during rhinovirus infections. Using patient-derived human airway cell models, you will generate mechanistic insight and provide proof-of-concept for targeting GSDMB as a novel therapeutic strategy.

Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Establishment and maintenance of primary human airway epithelial cell cultures
• Experimental work using air–liquid interface (ALI) models
• Application of molecular techniques, including siRNA-mediated gene silencing
• Use of CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing to interrogate gene function
• Data generation, statistical analysis, and interpretation
• Collaboration with internal and external academic partners
• Contribution to scientific publications and dissemination of research results

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field. You are expected to have documented hands-on experience with primary airway cell models and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research team. Strong communication skills in English and a solid publication record relative to career stage are required.

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 2 years. The expected starting date is 1 Sep 2026, or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position (37 hours per week).

You will be based at DTU, and jointly supervised by Professor Susanne Brix Pedersen, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, DTU, and Professor Klaus Bønnelykke, Head of COPSAC. The position provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities, strong technical support, and close integration between COPSAC and DTU, ensuring complementary scientific expertise.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Susanne Brix Pedersen, sbrix@dtu.dk 

You can read more about the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at: https://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 18 May 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 

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.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at DTU conducts cutting-edge research at the interface of biology, medicine, and engineering. The department has a strong focus on translational research, combining fundamental mechanistic insight with clinical relevance, and supports a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment.

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.