PhD Position

The Ravnskjaer lab at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invites applications from outstanding candidates who are interested in joining our team as PhD fellow. The position is available from December 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The Ravnskjaer lab is headed by Assoc. Prof. Kim Ravnskjaer and focuses on the molecular basis for cardiometabolic health. We combine comprehensive studies of human biopsies with targeted gene disruption in advanced preclinical models, single cell transcriptomics, and bioimaging. Expertise in wet-lab and computational biology, close ties to the clinic, and a wonderful team of early career scientists give us the agility to swiftly move from hypotheses to biological insights and mechanism.

Our lab is based in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, which constitutes an international, ambitious, dynamic, and well-resourced working environment. Our unit and department have state-of-the-art facilities for flow cytometry, next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging, and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with regional hospitals including Odense University Hospital (OUH).

We are partners in several regional, national and international initiatives including the DNRF-funded Center for Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity aimed at obtaining systems-level, mechanistic and cell type-resolved understanding of tissue plasticities in diet-induced obesity and regression.

For the current project, Molecular Determinants of Adipose Tissue Lipoprotein Clearance, we seek an experimentalist with hands-on experience in adipose tissue or microvascular biology, FELASA B certification or similar, working experience with mouse models, and as well as an interest in lipid metabolism. Familiarity with adipose tissue imaging techniques is an advantage.

We offer:

• A three-year PhD position (or four-year for Master students) in a supportive, stimulating, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Enrollment in PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program
• Training in a wide range of scientific and transferable skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.
• Mentoring and career development in a network of national and international collaborators
• Research exchange to collaborating institutions, depending on the project and interest of the PhD student
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment, workflows, and infrastructure
• Competitive salary and social benefits (health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
• Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects, especially for international candidates through our international staff office (ISO) and department

Qualifications/requirements
We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology. If you have not yet completed your master program, you can apply to be enrolled in our 4+4 PhD program, which is a way to commence the PhD study whilst concurrently completing the master program (https://www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/sdus_profil/strategi/udfolder_talenter_og_fremmer_det_unikke/4_plus_4_ph_d)
• Strong collaborative and communication skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Documented hands-on experience with liver biology, cell culture and mouse physiology is considered an advantage.

For more information, please contact Associate Professor Kim Ravnskjaer (ravnskjaer@bmb.sdu.dk)

Application, salary etc.
Salary is determined in accordance with the applicable collective agreement and based on objective and gender-neutral criteria, including the content of the position, responsibilities, and qualification requirements.
As an applicant, you are entitled to information about the starting salary and salary range for the position. This information will be provided during the recruitment process.
SDU does not collect information on applicants’ previous salary.

The 5+3 programme: Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Students who have completed their MSc. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period

Further information about the PhD programme can be found at the homepage of the University.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Applications must be in English and made as a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your interest, motivation, and qualifications for the project area (max. two pages).
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information.
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes/grades
• Contact details (phone number and e-mail) for at least two referees who can vouch for your skills.

Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. Applications will be assessed by an expert assessor/committee. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

Applications should be sent electronically via the link "Apply now". The faculty expects applicants to read the information "How to apply: FAQ" before applying. Please note that the application documents should be in pdf-format and attached as three documents: motivation letter, CV and the remaining documents. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

We recommend that as an international applicant you take the time to visit Work in Denmark where you will find information and facts about moving to, working and living in Denmark, as well as the International Staff Office at SDU.

About SDU
The University of Southern Denmark was established to create value for and with society. Whether our contributions come in the form of excellent research, innovative solutions, education or learning, we must make a positive difference to society and contribute to a sustainable future. We do this by cultivating talents and creating the best environments for research and learning. It is therefore crucial that SDU retains, develops and recruits talent. At the same time, we need to ensure consistently high quality in all our activities – and we can only do that with the right people. The University’s researchers, lecturers, students, managers and technical/administrative staff are the foundation of our success.