PhD fellowship in circulating factor in unwanted weight loss at the Department of Biomedical Sciences Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Molecular Biomedicine

We are offering a PhD fellowship in molecular biomedicine commencing 1st of January, 2027.

Our group and research The overall aim is to increase our understanding of weight loss in different contexts, especially unwanted weight loss in disease (cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, sepsis). We strive towards a collaborative lab where teamwork is an essential part of our day-to-day activities. In addition, we are also a part of the Translational Metabolism theme at the department, which provides opportunities to discuss/collaborate on projects across the department.

Project description

The current PhD fellowship focuses on the plasma proteome and regulators of cancer cachexia and age-associated functional decline (sarcopenia). The project is based on larger clinical cohorts, where the goal is to identify which factors are driving weight loss in different scenarios. In addition, there will be a specific focus on how the biological sex affects weight loss and the plasma proteome. Identified factors will be investigated pre-clinically using mouse models and in vitro systems.

Job description

Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at SUND are:

• Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
• Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
• Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.
• Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
• Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
• Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project

Key criteria for the assessment of applicants

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master's degree related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biochemistry or biology. Please note that your master's degree must be equivalent to a Danish master's degree (two years).

Other important criteria are:

• The grade point average achieved
• Certificate in animal handling e.g., FELASA A, B, (C) or similar
• You have a deep understanding of molecular metabolism and have worked with tumor mouse models
• You are highly experienced in working in a wet-lab and associated analyses (Western blot, qPCR, ELISA)
• You have an interest in bioinformatics (R) and can actively perform omics-analyses
• You have experience with data visualization and analysis software including GraphPad Prism, and Illustrator or similar programs.
• You have proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, easy access to core facilities, and state-of-the-art mouse facilities.

Terms of employment

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is 1st of January, 2027.

The employment is conditioned upon the applicant's successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty's rules on achieving the degree.

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 31,840 DKK/Roughly 4,250 EUR (August 2026 level) plus employer paid pension 18,07%.