项目介绍

2026年4月19日

Project description

This project aims to develop a novel platform in which engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells deliver functional recombinant proteins directly into tumor cells. The goal is to overcome tumor-intrinsic resistance mechanisms by deploying synthetic protein cargos and reprogram tumor cell death to increase immunogenicity.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of:

• Cellular immunotherapy (CAR T cells)
• Protein engineering/synthetic biology
• Live-cell and high-resolution imaging of immune synapse dynamics
• Functional validation in in vitro and in vivo cancer models

Responsibilities

• Design and construct engineered CAR T cells for intracellular protein delivery
• Clone and express recombinant protein cargos (including synthetic binders)
• Perform functional assays (killing, delivery efficiency, signaling)
• Analyze T cell–tumor cell interactions using advanced imaging approaches
• Evaluate therapeutic efficacy in relevant cellular and animal cancer models
• Contributing to B.Sc./M.Sc. student supervision, teaching and collaborative projects

Essential qualifications

• MSc degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedicine, immunology, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture (including primary immune cells), flow cytometry, experience with mouse work (FELASA certification is an advantage)
• Interest in or experience with recombinant protein engineering (computational design is a plus)
• Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)
• Highly motivated, structured, and able to work both independently and in teams

Desirable qualifications (strong advantage)

• Experience with T cell engineering or CAR T cells
• Background in protein design, structural biology, or synthetic biology
• Familiarity with live-cell imaging or super-resolution microscopy

Requirements to complete a PhD at SDU

• Complete a study programme of 30 ECTS points 
• Participate in teaching and dissemination activities (e.g. conferences) corresponding to approx. one semester of full-time employment
• Carry out an external research stay
• Complete a PhD thesis. According to the rules for a PhD thesis at the Faculty of Engineering at SDU the thesis must include internationally scientific peer-reviewed articles.
• Publicly defend your PhD thesis.

Further information is available from Assistant Professor Maria Ormhøj, e-mail: maor@igt.sdu.dk or head of section, Associate Professor Eva Arnspang Christensen, e-mail: arnspang@igt.sdu.dk

If you experience technical problems, please contact our email support.

Application

Before applying the candidates are advised to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on how to apply.

Assessment of candidates is based on the application material, and the application must include: 

• Motivated application. 
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates or equivalent, including transcripts of grades (original and an official English translation). 
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 
• Only for applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: An official written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• References may be included, you’re welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.
• A statement/documentation of other qualifications relevant to the position may also be included.

All documents must be in English and PDF format. CPR number (civil registration number) must be crossed out. All PDF-files must be unlocked, allow binding and may not be password protected. 

SUBMISSION GUIDE: Motivated application must be uploaded under ‘Cover letter’ (max. 5 MB), Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded under ‘Resume’ (max 5 MB). All other documents must be uploaded under ‘Miscellaneous documents’ (max 10 files with a maximum 50 MB per file). 

The application deadline is June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST)