PhD Fellowship in DNA Replication and Early Mammalian Development

The successful PhD candidate will become an integral member of a growing research group and will participate in a broader programme of developmental genome biology. The candidate will design and conduct an independent research project under supervision while contributing to the wider research activities of the group.

The work will involve learning and applying modern molecular, cellular and genomic techniques. Depending on the precise research direction, the candidate may work with mammalian cell culture, genome engineering, embryology, microscopy, sequencing and other experimental approaches.

Experience with mammalian cell culture, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, fluorescence microscopy, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, mouse models or embryology would be advantageous. However, the university specifically states that these experiences are not essential because full training will be provided.

The position is therefore suitable for a motivated researcher who has a strong interest in developmental biology and experimental research and who is willing to learn new techniques.

The PhD programme is a three-year full-time research education under the 5+3 scheme. Candidates are expected to complete PhD courses or equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS credits, participate in active research environments, gain experience in teaching or scientific dissemination and write a PhD thesis based on their research project.

The candidate will also have opportunities to participate in research activities beyond the immediate laboratory environment, including collaboration with researchers within the Department and with international collaborators. A research stay with another research team is also part of the PhD responsibilities.

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine provides an interdisciplinary environment with researchers working in areas including chromosome biology, developmental biology, stem cells and reproductive medicine. The successful candidate will therefore have opportunities to interact with researchers working across related fields.

The employment is full-time, with an average working week of 37 hours. The position is fixed-term for three years.

The University of Copenhagen states that the salary starts at approximately DKK 31,800 per month, roughly EUR 4,250 at the August 2026 level, plus an 18.07% pension contribution. Salary and employment conditions are governed by the applicable Danish agreement for academic staff.

International applicants are eligible to apply. Applicants educated outside Denmark must have either a qualification equivalent to a Danish master's degree or, at minimum, a bachelor's degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor's degree together with academic qualifications at master's level.

Applicants are assessed on several criteria, including academic performance, relevant professional qualifications, previous publications, relevant work experience, professional activities, language skills and their demonstrated interest in experimental research and developmental biology.

Excellent written and spoken English is required.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 45.

Eligibility:

1. Applicant must have a relevant academic background in an area such as biology, embryology, genetics, biomedicine or a closely related discipline.
2. Applicant must meet the University of Copenhagen's educational requirements for admission to the PhD programme.
3. Applicants educated outside Denmark must hold a qualification equivalent to the required Danish master's-level qualification or otherwise satisfy the university's stated international qualification requirements.
4. Applicant should have a strong academic record.
5. Applicant should demonstrate a strong interest in developmental biology.
6. Applicant should demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for experimental research and scientific discovery.
7. Practical laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology is desirable.
8. Excellent written and spoken English is required.
9. Applicant should have good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
10. Experience with mammalian cell culture is advantageous but not essential.
11. Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering is advantageous but not essential.
12. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, mouse models or embryology is advantageous but not essential.
13. Applicants should be willing to learn modern molecular, cellular and genomic techniques.
14. International applicants are welcome to apply provided they satisfy the university's academic and documentation requirements.

Benefits:

1. Fully funded three-year PhD fellowship.
2. Full-time employment at the University of Copenhagen.
3. Monthly salary starting at approximately DKK 31,800.
4. An additional 18.07% pension contribution.
5. Three years of structured doctoral research training.
6. Approximately 30 ECTS credits of PhD courses or equivalent education.
7. Close academic supervision and mentorship.
8. Training in modern molecular and cellular biology techniques.
9. Opportunities to develop expertise in genome biology and developmental biology.
10. Access to advanced microscopy facilities.
11. Access to genome-engineering facilities and technologies.
12. Access to transgenic mouse and embryo-manipulation facilities.
13. Opportunities to develop experience in single-cell genomics.
14. Opportunities to collaborate with researchers within the Department and internationally.
15. Opportunity to participate in a research stay with another research team.
16. Teaching and scientific dissemination experience.
17. Opportunity to develop an international research network.
18. Opportunity to contribute to research addressing fundamental questions in mammalian development and genome stability.
19. Access to an interdisciplinary research environment covering developmental biology, chromosome biology, stem cells and reproductive medicine.
20. Opportunity to produce a PhD thesis based on original research.

Application Information: Applicants should prepare their application in accordance with the University of Copenhagen's requirements for the PhD fellowship.

The application must include a motivated letter of application of no more than one page.

Applicants must also submit a CV containing their education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant to the position.

A certified copy of the original Master's degree diploma and transcript of records must be submitted. Where documents were issued in a language other than English or Danish, an authorised English translation must also be provided.

Applicants who have not yet completed their Master's degree may submit a certified or signed recent transcript of records or a written statement from their institution or supervisor, subject to the university's requirements.

A publication list should also be included if applicable.

Applicants educated outside Denmark should carefully check whether their qualification is equivalent to the Danish qualification required for admission to the PhD programme.

The successful applicant will also need to be enrolled as a PhD student at the Graduate School of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the official University of Copenhagen recruitment portal.

The application deadline is October 1, 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Interviews are expected to take place during week 45.

The anticipated employment start date is April 1, 2027.