The Ravnskjaer lab at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as PhD fellow. The position is available from October 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The Ravnskjaer lab is headed by Assoc. Prof. Kim Ravnskjaer and focuses on cellular crosstalk in the regulation of liver function in health and disease. For this we apply single cell- and spatially resolved transcriptomics and bioimaging to study human liver biopsies and advanced, preclinical models. A combination of wet-lab and computational biology, close ties to the clinic, and a wonderful team of early career scientists give us the agility and expertise to swiftly move from hypotheses to biological insights and assess clinical relevance of our findings.
We are based in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit , which constitutes an international, ambitious, dynamic, and well-resourced working environment. Our unit and our department have state-of-the-art facilities for flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with regional hospitals including Odense University Hospital (OUH).
We are partners in several regional, national and international initiatives including the DNRF-funded Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity aimed at obtaining systems-level, mechanistic and cell type-resolved understanding of tissue plasticities in diet-induced obesity and regression.
For the current project Unlocking the Deep GPCRome for Accelerated Fibrosis Resolution we seek a molecular and cell biologist or similar with hands-on experience in molecular cloning, cell culture systems, mouse models, and interest in liver disease biology. Experience with R or Python and the computational analysis of next-generation sequencing data is an advantage.
We offer:
- A three-year PhD position (or four-year for Master students) in a supportive, stimulating, 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 scientific and transferable skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.
- Mentoring and career development in a network of national and international collaborators
- Research exchange to collaborating institutions, depending on the project and interest of the PhD student
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment, work-flows, and infrastructure
- Competitive salary and social benefits (health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
- Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects, especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO ) and department
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. If you have not yet completed your master program, you can apply to be enrolled in our 4+4 PhD program, which is a way to commence the PhD study whilst concurrently completing the master program:(https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/sdus_profil/strategi/udfolder_talenter_og_fremmer_det_unikke/4_plus_4_ph_d )
- Strong collaborative and communication skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Documented hands-on experience with liver biology, cell culture and mouse physiology is considered an advantage.
Application deadline: 3 August 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time.
Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk