Ph D Position in Translational Environmental Medicine

A full time 3 year PhD position at the Research Unit Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine (CPPEM), University of Southern Denmark, is vacant from April 1st 2025.

We are looking for a PhD for a project funded by an ERC advanced grant. The purpose of this project is to study the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on cholesterol metabolism using primary human hepatocytes (PHH) cultured in 3 dimensional (3D) spheres. We will study the impact of PFAS on gene expression using unbiased RNA sequencing and the impact on cholesterol metabolism by assessing activity of cholesterol-metabolising enzymes. Furthermore, we will study the impact of PFAS on co-cultures of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells.

Research environment
The position is placed within CPPEM, which is a highly motivated research unit that performs research within pharmacology and environmental medicine. The research areas of CPPEM span from pharmacoepidemiology to clinical studies and cell-based basic pharmacology and environmental medicine. Collectively, CPPEM has a strong background in exposure to environmental chemicals, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions and therapeutic drug monitoring. Specifically, the pharmacoepidemiological research group utilizes the world-class Danish registries as well as international data sources to assess pharmacological questions in large populations. The translational pharmacology group aims to understand variability in drug toxicity, drug metabolism and drug transport. Examples of this include cell-based models such as induced-pluripotent stem cells, primary human hepatocytes and clinical studies. The environmental medicine group study the impact of early life exposures to environmental chemicals. In particular per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a main focus area, with studies of the adverse health effects of exposure, biomonitoring and advising national and international authorities. The analytical chemistry laboratory analyze concentrations of drugs or environmental chemicals in various matrices.

We offer an attractive and inspiring working environment with dedicated and highly skilled people. As a department, we value having a pleasant and informal working environment across all job functions at the department. Further, attracting and training excellent young researchers is a priority, including internal training in not only methodology but also ‘soft skills’ covering topics such as dissemination, work planning, collaboration, work/life balance etc. You will in your daily work refer to Professor Tore B. Stage and Professor Tina Kold Jensen, but you will be expected to contribute to the whole research unit. If you will need to relocate to Denmark for the position, both the University and the research group will provide ample support.

Qualifications
We are looking for an individual with a Master’s degree within pharmacology, biomedicine, medicine, or similar. It is an advantage to have experience with cell culture and general laboratory techniques, but it is more important to find a highly motivated individual than a specific set of skills. Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are a requirement. The position includes independent scientific writing and supervision of students. You should be interested in contributing both to the scientific armamentarium in our department and to our collegial culture. It is also expected that the PhD contributes to additional fundraising for the project and takes on teaching responsibilities within the department.

Interviews can be performed online if needed. If you will need to relocate to Denmark for the position, both the University and the research group will provide ample support. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply, regardless of geographical location, age, gender, race, or religious beliefs.  Only complete applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

Additional information about the position can be obtained from Tore B. Stage ([email protected]; 0045 65503678).

Applications must include:

• A letter stating the interest, motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages)
• Detailed CV (maximum of two pages) 
• Certified copy of diploma (Master’s degree in a relevant field)

Please notice that one pdf.- or docx.-file must be attached for each publication.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link "Apply now". Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Closing date 30 January 2025, 23.59 CET

Successful candidates will be asked to send an application to the PhD Secretariat, Faculty of Health Sciences, to be enrolled as PhD students.

The PhD programme will be carried out in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order)

The terms of employment as a salaried PhD Research Fellow are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

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