Summary
The Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH), is inviting applications for a fully funded, 3-year PhD Fellowship in Dopamine Addiction Biology. The selected candidate will join Professor Ulrik Gether’s research group to investigate molecular and nanoarchitectural changes in dopaminergic release sites exposed to psychostimulants and opioids using super-resolution microscopy and proteomics.
Key Information Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Position / Designation | PhD Fellow (PhD Student) |
| University / Institute | University of Copenhagen (UCPH) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences / Department of Neuroscience |
| Research Group | Gether Lab |
| Principal Supervisor | Professor Ulrik Gether (gether@sund.ku.dk) |
| Duration & Type | 3 Years, Full-Time |
| Starting Date | November 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Salary & Benefits | Starting at approx. 31,844 DKK / ~€4,260 per month (plus pension) |
| Application Deadline | 23 August 2026, 23:59 CET |
Research Area
- Primary Focus: Dopamine biology, substance use disorders (addiction biology), neuropharmacology, and synaptic nanoarchitecture.
- Core Methodologies: Super-resolution microscopy, rodent self-administration models, terminal proteomics, chemogenetics/optogenetics, and tissue/brain clearing (iDISCO).
Location
- Workplace: Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: A Master’s degree (MSc) in Molecular Biomedicine, Biology, Biomedicine, Medicine, Human Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field (or expected completion before appointment).
- Technical Experience:
- Handling and behavioral work with mice.
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- Fluorescence microscopy techniques.
- Experience with tissue/brain clearing (e.g., iDISCO) is an advantage.
- Language & Soft Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills in written and oral English; strong motivation and ability to work in an international team.
Scholarship & Job Description
The position provides full employment as a PhD Fellow under Danish collective agreements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct an independent research project mapping the nanoarchitectural organization of individual dopaminergic release sites under drug exposure.
- Complete PhD coursework corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS credits.
- Participate in active international research environments, including an external research stay.
- Gain teaching and science dissemination experience.
- Author scientific publications and write a comprehensive PhD dissertation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official University of Copenhagen Job Portal.
Required Documents (all in PDF format):
- Motivated Letter of Application: Explaining your research interest and qualifications (maximum 1 page).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing education, research experience, language proficiencies, and technical skills.
- Diplomas & Transcripts: Master’s degree diploma and official transcripts (if pending, submit recent certified grade transcripts or an official supervisor statement).
- Publication List: If applicable.
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: 23 August 2026 at 23:59 CET
