PhD scholarship in Reproductive Toxicology - DTU Food

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for a project delving into mammalian testis biology to tackle demands from next-generation risk assessment of chemicals in providing alternative test methods with high predictive capacity. The testicles are primary producers of androgens, which are essential steroid hormones for reproductive development and function. Testicular androgen synthesis is also susceptible to endocrine disruptors, with severe consequences for reproductive development and health. Although methods exist to test for disrupted steroidogenesis, current methods have significant limitations. This interdisciplinary project will provide novel insights into species-specific cellular functions, advancing both basic research and applications in drug design, toxicity testing, and cross-species data interpretation.

As the PhD candidate, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate findings into broader contexts, such as model system development and regulatory applications, while prioritizing molecular and developmental biology research. The project employs diverse methodologies, including rodent in vivo studies, bulk and single-cell transcriptomics, histological and molecular biology techniques, and the development and application of advanced cell-based assays.

This PhD project aims to contribute towards translational methods to bridge animal data with human relevance to enhance chemical testing and regulation. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Be involved with in-utero rat toxicity studies and carry out downstream analyses.
• Carry out in-depth histological and molecular characterization of cells and tissues.  
• Carry out transcriptomics experiments and be involved with downstream bioinformatics analysis including conducting international research stay (France) for bioinformatics training 
• Facilitate the translation of acquired research knowledge into the development of alternative test methods and implementation for next generation risk assessment. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
You are expected to carry out independent research under the guidance of your supervisors, including those described above. Other responsibilities include:

• Complete courses required for the fulfilment of the Ph.D.-programme at DTU (~30 ECTS).
• Write scientific papers and present your work at local, national, and international meetings and conferences.
• Undertake a research placement abroad for 3-5 months.
• Write a Ph.D.-thesis for the completion of the Ph.D. candidature.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Other desirable qualifications include:

• Strong English language skills, verbal and written. 
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Previous experience with laboratory work, e.g., cell culture, molecular techniques, animal (rodent) studies.

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by a panel consisting of the main supervisor Prof. Terje Svingen and co-supervisor Anna K. Rosenmai, and potentially another member of the research group. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The starting date is spring 2025, with a specific date according to mutual agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Terje Svingen at [email protected]

You can read more about DTU Food at www.food.dtu.dk/english and the research group at https://www.food.dtu.dk/english/Research/Molecular-and-Reproductive-Toxicology

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a Ph.D. at DTU.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Friday, 17 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time) .

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of 2-3 references that may be contacted by the assessment panel during the interview process.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The DTU National Food  Institute
DTU Food conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The institute’s vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute prevents disease and promotes health, develops new and better food products for a growing population and creates sustainable technological solutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in a unique interdisciplinary cooperation in e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling and technology.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.