Summary
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD fellowship. Hosted in the research group of Associate Professor Agnete Kirkeby, the candidate will participate in an international interdisciplinary consortium project investigating the molecular pathways of human appetite regulation using cutting-edge human stem cell-derived hypothalamic in vitro models.
PhD Position in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling of the Hypothalamus
Designation
- PhD Fellow / PhD Student (Full-Time, 3 Years)
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | PhD Fellow in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling |
| Host Institution | University of Copenhagen (UCPH) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences / Department of Biomedical Sciences |
| Center / Group | Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) – Kirkeby Group |
| Duration | 3 years (Full-time, with possibility of extension) |
| Start Date | December 15, 2026 (or by agreement) |
| Location | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Application Deadline | September 13, 2026, 23:59 CET |
Research Area
- Stem Cell Biology & Neurobiology
- Hypothalamic Appetite Regulation & GPCR Signaling
- In Vitro Human Disease Modelling (Pluripotent Stem Cells, Neurons, and Glial Cells)
- High-Throughput Screening, Transcriptomics, and Proteomics
Location
- Department of Biomedical Sciences / reNEW, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements
- Academic Degree: Master’s degree (MSc) in Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Human Biology, Neuroscience, Medicine, or a closely related discipline.
- Laboratory Experience: Proven practical experience working with pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs/hESCs) and differentiating/culturing neural cell types.
- Communication Skills: Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
- Mindset: Strong scientific curiosity, autonomy in project planning, critical thinking, and a collaborative team spirit.
Positively Assessed / Desirable Criteria
- Experience with 3D cell cultures / organoids / assembloids.
- Experience in high-content image analysis and high-throughput screening assays.
- Experience with intracellular cAMP signaling assays and GPCR pharmacology.
- Familiarity with neuronal functionality assessments (e.g., MEA or electrophysiology) and synapse formation.
- Proficiency in qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry (ICC), confocal microscopy, and automated image analysis.
- Hands-on expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in hiPSCs/hESCs.
Scholarship Description
Project Scope & Responsibilities
The successful PhD candidate will be embedded in a dynamic, international research group focusing on translational CNS disease models and regenerative medicine.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Performing subtype-specific differentiation and quality control of human pluripotent stem cells into hypothalamic neurons and glia.
- Conducting high-throughput screening of peptides and small molecules to identify hypothalamic G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediating appetite stimulation and suppression.
- Applying proximity labelling techniques combined with gene-edited cell lines and mass spectrometry/proteomics.
- Performing mechanistic investigations to characterize downstream signaling pathways in appetite regulation.
- Publishing scientific papers, presenting results at international conferences, and participating in PhD coursework.
Working Conditions & Benefits
- A fully funded 3-year employment contract with standard salary, pension, and employment benefits governed by the Danish collective agreement (AC).
- Access to state-of-the-art core facilities in transcriptomics, flow cytometry, confocal imaging, and proteomics within the reNEW research infrastructure.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Copenhagen job portal by clicking the “Apply now” button on the official vacancy posting.
Required application documents (in PDF format):
- Motivated Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) describing your research interests, background, and motivation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, technical skills, research projects, past employments, and contact information for two academic references.
- Master of Science Diploma & Academic Transcripts (including official course grades).
- List of Publications (if applicable).
Last Date for Application
- Deadline: September 13, 2026 at 23:59 CET
Contact Information for Inquiries:
Associate Professor Agnete Kirkeby (Principal Supervisor)
Email:
agnete.kirkeby@sund.ku.dk/bpw314@ku.dkPhone: +45 5168 5353
Official Portal Link:KU Job Portal Position #167766
