PhD Scholarship / Fellowship Announcement, Aarhus University, Denmark

Summary

The Graduate School of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University, Denmark, is offering a fully funded PhD fellowship/scholarship within the Food Science programme. This project investigates how co-exposure to foodborne natural toxins influences metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) using advanced human-relevant in vitro hepatic models and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The selected candidate will join the growing AU FOOD TOX research group.

Mechanistic Insights into the Effects of Foodborne Natural Toxin Co-Exposure on MASH Using Human-Relevant In Vitro Models

Designation

• PhD Fellow / PhD Scholar

Key Information Overview

Research Area

• Food Toxicology, Hepatic In Vitro Toxicology & Metabolic Diseases (MASH)

Project Scope

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease posing a severe global health burden. While environmental and dietary exposures contribute to liver dysfunction, the role and mechanistic pathways of foodborne natural toxins—especially under realistic co-exposure conditions—remain poorly understood.

The successful PhD candidate will:

• Establish and implement human-relevant hepatic in vitro models (e.g., 3D cell culture, spheroids, organoids) and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
• Investigate cellular and molecular pathways, including lipid accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses related to MASH development.
• Conduct an international research stay in an EU partner institution during the PhD study.

Location

• Workplace: Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.

Eligibility & Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A relevant Master’s degree (equivalent to 120 ECTS) in Toxicology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro toxicology and mammalian cell culture.
• A strong demonstrated interest in investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms of chemical- or toxin-induced adverse effects.
• Full working proficiency in English (written and spoken) and strong scientific writing/communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Willingness to carry out an international research stay in an EU country.

Preferred / Advantageous Competences:

• Prior experience with advanced human-relevant systems (hepatic cell models, 3D cultures, organoids, spheroids).
• Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques (gene expression analysis, Western blotting/protein analysis, confocal microscopy, biochemical/functional cellular assays).

Scholarship Description & Benefits

• Full Funding: Monthly salary and employment terms are covered in accordance with the applicable Danish collective agreement for PhD fellows.
• Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at AU-FOOD and membership in the AU FOOD TOX research team.
• Mobility: Built-in funding and support for an international research stay in Europe.
• Equal Opportunity: Aarhus University prioritizes diversity, equal opportunities, and an inspiring work environment.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Aarhus University application portal via the GSTS Special Calls Portal.
2. Prepare and submit all required documentation (Master’s diplomas/transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and letters of reference).
3. Project Description Requirement: For administrative/technical reasons, copy the official project description provided in the call and upload it as a separate PDF file.
4. Complete and submit the online application form before the deadline.

Note: Shortlisting is applied during evaluation, and only applications submitted prior to the deadline will be assessed.

Last Date for Apply

• 20 September 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Link