PhD fellowship in translational metabolic human research Full-time

PhD Fellowship In Translational Metabolic Human Research

Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, The August Krogh section for Human Physiology, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in translational metabolic human research.

Start date is 15 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The PhD projects This PhD investigates a mutation in the Inuit population that increases risk of development of type 2 diabetes 10-fold in homozygous carriers. The mutation causes muscle specific deletion of TBC1D4, an enzyme integral in facilitating glucose uptake in both skeletal and cardiac muscle through translocation of GLUT4. The PhD comprises two projects. The first project aims to elucidate if physical activity can ameliorate the impact of this genetic mutation on skeletal muscle glucose uptake through muscle adaptations to training. This will be assessed by metabolic phenotyping and invasive mechanistic methodologies. The second project aims to uncover how compromised cardiac glucose uptake affects cardiac metabolism by leveraging state-of-the-art cardiac positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT).

We are looking for candidates within the field of medicine willing to stay in Greenland for the duration of the training intervention (~1 year).

Our group work focuses on the mechanisms through which physical activity promotes metabolic health.

We are particularly interested in the intracellular interactions between exercise-induced signaling events and those triggered by insulin, aiming to unravel how a single bout of exercise can enhance muscle insulin sensitivity. Central to these studies is the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its interacting partners, including mTOR and TBC1D4.

Principal supervisors is Professor Jørgen Wojtaszewski in Copenhagen and Professor and Chief Physician Marit Jørgensen in Greenland, E-mail: jw@nexs.ku.dk and maej@peqqik.gl.

To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master's degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. [relevant educations]. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Carry through an independent research project under supervision

Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE

Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad

Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities

Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals

Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project

Experience with clinical trials

Skills within human invasive procedures (I.e. muscle and adipose tissues, microdialyses)

Interested in learning advanced invasive methodologies

Medical license to practice independently (Finished basic clinical training (KBU))

Relevant publications

Relevant work experience

Curious mind-set with a strong interest in physiological mechanisms and muscle metabolism

Good English and Danish language skills

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically.

Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

Original diplomas for Bachelor and Master of Science in Medicine and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish.

Publication list (if possible)

Reference letters (if available)

The deadline for applications is 15th of August 2026, 23:59 CET

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.