<!-- ko if: isJobTitleVisible --> PhD stipend in ‘Exploring Human Adipose Heterogeneity in Cardiometabolic Diseases’ <!-- /ko --> <!-- ko if: isAlreadyAppliedVisible --><!-- /ko -->

The Loft Group at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invite applications from outstanding candidates, who are interested in joining the group as a PhD student. The position is available from September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. Application deadline: 28 July 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Research project
Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of metabolic complications, including metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the extent and severity of these complications vary markedly between individuals - an observation that highlights the concept of 'metabolically healthy' versus 'unhealthy' obesity.

The PhD project in the Loft Group  will investigate how patient-specific responses to obesity and type 2 diabetes in human adipose tissue contribute to the development and progression of MASLD and CAD. Using adipose tissue biopsies from individuals across a spectrum of metabolic disease severity, the project will leverage single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map cellular heterogeneity and tissue organization in unprecedented detail.

These datasets will be integrated with genetic profiling and mechanistic follow-up studies to uncover how specific cellular states, transcriptional programs, and genetic variants influence adipose tissue and systemic metabolic dysfunction.

The Loft Group
Anne Loft is a recipient of a Lundbeck Foundation Fellowship from 2023 and Group Leader in ATLAS since 2024. Research in the Loft group is particularly focused on understanding how the adipose tissue serves as a critical signaling hub in the context of metabolic diseases, such as MASLD and cardiovascular diseases. For this, we apply a range of single cell genomics technologies on clinical biopsies combined with bioinformatics, and a range of targeting strategies in mouse disease models.

As a member of the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS) , a key research focus in the group is understanding cellular diversity and communication determining differential interindividual phenotypic outcomes of obesity.

Research environment
The project will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary expertise in the ATLAS Center of Excellence. The work will primarily be carried out in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit , at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , SDU, but, depending on the interest of the student, may also involve research exchange to collaborating laboratories. The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit  currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on various aspects of gene regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular identity, differentiation and metabolism. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

PhD stipend qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology. 
• Experience with NGS data or single cell-sequencing analysis is required. Competence in adipose tissue biology, cell culture work or mouse physiology would be an advantage.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

We offer:

• One three-year PhD positions in a highly stimulating, supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Enrollment in PhD school  of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program 
• Training in a wide range of skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.
• Research exchange to collaborating institution, depending on the interest of the PhD student
• Mentoring and career development
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
• Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
• A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office and department. 

For further information on the projects and positions, please contact: anlo@bmb.sdu.dk

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period (the 5+3 programme ).
Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Science can be found at the homepage of the University .

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. 

Application must be in English and made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages)
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information and date entries
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades (if Master’s diploma has not yet been received, please include statement from your supervisor)
• At least two signed reference letters. Should your referees wish to send their letters directly to us, please have them use e-mail: cwl@bmb.sdu.dk  mentioning your name and the title of the position in the subject line. And please note that these also need to reach us before deadline. 

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

 Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply for a position at SDU " before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark  where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU .

• Job Identification 3002
• Job Category PH.D.
• Posting Date 06/30/2025, 09:15 AM
• Locations Campusvej 55, Odense M, 5230, DK
• Apply Before 07/28/2025, 10:59 PM
• Job Schedule Full time