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University of Copenhagen

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PhD Fellowship in Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Engineering: Internalization and Lysosomal Delivery University of Copenhagen in Denmark

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

A 3-year full-time PhD fellowship with salary, pension, and employment terms according to Danish state/academic agreements. Monthly salary starts at approximately 31,800 DKK (about 4,200 EUR, August 2026 level) plus pension.

Deadline

Nov 6, 2026

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Country

Denmark

University

University of Copenhagen

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Keywords

Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Functional Genomics
Medical Science
Pharmacy
Cancer Therapy
Glioblastoma
Sarcoma Biology

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About this position

PhD fellowship at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) / Finsen Laboratory, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) engineering with a focus on internalization and lysosomal delivery.

The project aims to engineer and test next-generation ADCs with improved trafficking and payload release. Research includes bispecific constructs, established ADC targets such as uPAR, MMP14, uPARAP, and the Mannose Receptor, plus receptors that promote lysosomal delivery such as IGF2R. Lead candidates will be evaluated in cancer cell models and in vivo, including sarcoma and glioblastoma models.

This PhD is part of a Novo Nordisk Foundation Distinguished Innovator project, Breaking Barriers: Engineering ADCs for Efficient BBB Transport and Lysosomal Targeting, in collaboration with Professor Matthias Herth (Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, UCPH) and Professor Katrine Qvortrup (Department of Chemistry, DTU).

Key work includes recombinant antibody production and purification, payload conjugation, ADC characterization, cell-based uptake/internalization assays, flow cytometry, drug screening, cytotoxicity and viability assays, and in vivo efficacy studies. The position also includes PhD coursework, teaching/dissemination, participation in active research environments, and writing a PhD thesis.

Eligibility highlights: an MSc in pharmaceutical biotechnology, biotechnology, or a closely related field; strong hands-on ADC experience; experience with mammalian cancer cell assays, flow cytometry, and laboratory animal work; excellent English; and an international research background. Functional genomics and sarcoma model experience are advantageous.

The fellowship is full-time for 3 years, with salary and pension under Danish state agreements. The monthly salary starts at approximately 31,800 DKK (about 4,200 EUR, August 2026 level) plus pension.

Deadline: 6 November 2026, 23:59 CET. Apply online through the university portal and upload the required documents (motivation letter, CV, MSc diploma/transcript, and publication list if available).

Funding details

A 3-year full-time PhD fellowship with salary, pension, and employment terms according to Danish state/academic agreements. Monthly salary starts at approximately 31,800 DKK (about 4,200 EUR, August 2026 level) plus pension.

What's required

Applicants must hold an MSc degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in pharmaceutical biotechnology, biotechnology, or a closely related field with an excellent academic record. Required experience includes an MSc thesis or equivalent project on antibody-drug conjugates or antibody-based cancer therapeutics, hands-on work with production, validation and payload conjugation of recombinant antibodies, cytotoxicity/cell viability/drug screening assays in mammalian cancer cell lines, flow cytometry, laboratory animal work, and experience from an international research laboratory. Excellent written and spoken English is required; functional genomics (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9 screening) and sarcoma models are advantageous.

How to apply

Apply electronically via the university’s Apply Now portal. Submit a motivated letter, CV, certified MSc diploma and transcript (with English translation if needed), and a publication list if possible. The application must be submitted by 6 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

More information can be found here

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