The Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a PhD scholarship focused on biomarker and therapeutic target investigations in biliary atresia. This opportunity is based within the Department of Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), which offers a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment. The department is renowned for its expertise in immunology and inflammation, particularly regarding mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases and their impact on tissue damage and disease progression. Students benefit from modern laboratory facilities, advanced molecular and cellular methods, and a supportive atmosphere that fosters academic mentoring, international collaboration, and comprehensive researcher training.

The PhD project centers on biliary atresia (BA), a rare and severe cholestatic liver disease in infants and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation. BA is marked by progressive inflammation and liver fibrosis, with mechanisms of fibrogenesis still not fully understood and a lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers. The project aims to improve risk stratification and deepen mechanistic understanding of fibrosis development to enhance outcomes following Kasai portoenterostomy and inform future therapeutic strategies.

As a PhD student, you will investigate extracellular matrix-related mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis in BA using clinical, translational, and experimental approaches. You will work with patient cohorts to perform biomarker analyses and statistical modeling of clinical outcomes, and contribute to the development and validation of novel blood-based biomarker assays. Mechanistic studies will be conducted in a neonatal large-animal model of cholestatic liver injury, involving in vivo interventions, longitudinal sample collection, and downstream analyses of liver fibrosis, immune responses, and tissue remodeling using histological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. The project is a collaboration between SDU in Odense and Copenhagen University Hospital/University in Copenhagen, with tasks at both locations.

The position offers comprehensive training in translational liver research, including data analysis, experimental design, and scientific dissemination. You will join a multidisciplinary team and have access to excellent academic mentoring and international collaboration opportunities.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in medicine, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, veterinary science, or a related field. Experience or strong interest in experimental laboratory work, basic knowledge of cell and molecular biology, immunology, or pathology, and interest in liver biology, fibrosis, or pediatric diseases are required. Experience with biomarker analyses, histological techniques, molecular assays, animal models, and data analysis/statistics is advantageous. Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and proficiency in English are essential.

Funding: The position is a fully funded PhD fellowship, with a base salary of DKK 374,912.98 (excluding 18.07% pension contribution) according to the Danish AC agreement. Salary supplements are based on seniority and union negotiation.

Application window: Applications must be submitted electronically by February 28th, 2026. Required documents include a motivation letter (max. 2 pages), detailed CV, and certified copy of diploma. All files must be in PDF format. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

For further information, contact Professor Grith L Sørensen at [email protected].

Apply via: Application Link