Job beskrivelseMarie Curie PhD fellowship in stem cell biology at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology We are offering a Marie Curie PhD fellowship in stem cell biology commencing 1 September 2026. Our group and research Our research aims at understanding the role of dysfunctions in lipid homeostasis in the emergence of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. We use biological models to identify lipid changes associated with these diseases and/or their risk factors, and employ biophysical methods to elucidate, at the molecular level, how these lipid changes can influence functional protein‑membrane interactions and protein aggregation. The biological models range from patient‑derived cells to brain materials, and our interdisciplinary team includes neuroscientists, stem cell biologists, biochemists, protein biophysicists, and experts in lipidomics and proteomics. Standard laboratory techniques include molecular biology, recombinant protein production and purification, protein characterisation, circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, calorimetry, electron microscopy, mass‑spectrometry lipid extraction, cell culture (established lines and iPSC‑derived lines), immunocytochemistry, Western blot, qPCR, organelle and ex‑vivo material isolation. More information on our research can be found on the group website and in our Google Scholar profile. Project description The selected PhD candidate will participate in the EU‑funded HORIZON‑MSCA‑DN‑2024‑01 project LipAgg, which unites partners from five European countries and consists of nine academic institutions and twelve industrial partners. The consortium delivers a training programme for fifteen doctoral candidates focused on elucidating the role of lipids in protein aggregation toxicity and propagation. The doctoral candidate’s key tasks will be: manage and execute the assigned research project, participate in LipAgg training and networking activities, attend PhD courses, prepare scientific articles and a PhD thesis, attend national and international conferences, undertake a research stay at an external laboratory within the LipAgg network, and disseminate results. Specifically, the candidate will investigate whether amyloid‑protein‑lipid (AP‑L) complexes can seed aggregation of endogenous IAPP, αS, and Aβ in relevant cells (pancreatic cells, iPSC‑derived neuronal cells). The propensity of AP‑L complexes to trigger aggregation will be compared to lipid‑free AP assemblies, and the potential inhibitory effect of small molecules and peptidomimetics on in‑cellulo protein aggregation will be examined. The candidate will be enrolled at the University of Copenhagen under the supervision of Associate Professor Céline Galvagnion, and will undertake a seven‑month secondment at Uppsala University and a one‑month secondment at the Danish Parkinson Foundation. The candidate Ideal candidates hold an MSc or equivalent in a field relevant to the position (e.g. stem cell biology, neuroscience, biochemistry). A strong background or keen interest in stem cell biology is highly desirable. Candidates should be enthusiastic about tackling new scientific challenges, motivate results‑oriented work, and work effectively independently and within an interdisciplinary team. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Strong organisational and planning abilities are also required. Eligibility and rules The fellowship is subject to the mobility and eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions. Candidates must not have lived or worked in Denmark for more than twelve months in the three years before the start date, unless under a refugee status procedure. At recruitment the candidate must be a doctoral candidate in the first five career years (full‑time equivalent research experience) and must not hold a doctoral degree. Principal supervisor Email: celine.galvagnion@sund.ku.dk · Tel: +45 3533 7828 Employment details Start Date: 1 September 2026 Duration: 3 years as a PhD student Location: Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Job description Carry through an independent research project under supervision. Complete PhD courses or equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points. Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research team. Gain experience with teaching or other dissemination related to the PhD project. Teach and disseminate knowledge. Write a PhD thesis based on the project. PhD programme description The programme is a three‑year full‑time research education following the 5+3 scheme, intended for candidates holding a relevant academic degree in the subject area. Qualifications For candidates educated in Denmark a relevant master’s degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS BSc + 120 ECTS MSc) is required. For candidates from abroad, a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s (120 ECTS MSc) is required. Applicants must achieve a positive academic evaluation and be assessed as the best qualified for the position. Other important criteria Grade point average achieved. Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project. Previous publications. Relevant work experience. Other professional activities. A curious mindset with strong interest in stem cell biology and neuroscience. Language skills. Eligibility criteria for the MSCA Doctoral Network Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the start of employment. PhD candidate requirement: The applicant must not hold a doctoral degree at the first day of employment. Formal admission: The applicant must be formally admitted to a PhD programme awarding a degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country at the date of recruitment. Exclusive employment: The applicant must work exclusively for the action. Terms of employment Average weekly working hours: 37 hours. Salary, pension and terms are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly gross salary starts at approximately DKK 31,424 (≈ EUR 4,193) plus an employer‑paid pension contribution. Questions and contact For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor. Application procedure Applications must be submitted electronically by clicking “Apply now”. The application must include the following documents in PDF format: Cover letter (maximum one page). CV including education, experience, language skills and other relevant skills. Certified copy of original MSc diploma and transcript of records in the original language, with an authorized English translation if issued in another language; alternatively a certified copy of a recent transcript or a written statement from the institution. Publication list (if available). Master thesis (if available). Contact information for at least two references. Application deadline: Sunday 17 May 2026, 23:59 CET. The further process After the application deadline, the recruitment manager selects candidates for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The assessor performs a non‑prioritized assessment of academic qualifications, experience, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in this advertisement. Once the assessment is completed, each applicant can comment on the assessment relevant to themselves. The recruitment process details are available at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ . Applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the appointment of academic staff at universities. Interviews are expected to be held in week 24. EEO statement The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background. #J-18808-Ljbffr
