PhD Fellowship in Molecular Cell Biology of Disease-Linked Gene Variants University of Copenhagen in Denmark

The Section for Biomolecular Sciences at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen is offering a PhD fellowship focused on the molecular cell biology of disease-linked gene variants. This project aims to unravel how genetic variation influences protein function and contributes to disease mechanisms. Utilizing Deep Mutational Scanning (DMS) and CRISPR-based genome engineering, the research will systematically assess the function and stability of thousands of gene variants, generating comprehensive quantitative functional landscapes of disease-associated proteins.

The research group provides a collaborative environment with opportunities for both wet-lab and computational training, and access to advanced genome engineering and screening platforms. The group is part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, and is located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The principal supervisor is Professor Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen.

The PhD programme is a three-year, full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), intended for candidates who already possess an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree. Employment as a PhD fellow is full time and for a maximum of three years, conditional upon successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State, and the position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities include carrying out an independent research project under supervision, completing PhD courses (approx. 30 ECTS), participating in active research environments (including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad), engaging in teaching and knowledge dissemination activities, writing scientific papers for high-impact journals, and defending a PhD thesis based on the project.

Applicants should have a degree equivalent to a Danish master’s in Biochemistry, Molecular Biomedicine, or a related field. Experience with molecular biological techniques, DMS, FACS, and NGS in human cell lines is preferred. Prior knowledge of the protein quality control system and human genetics is advantageous. Good language skills are required. Application materials must include a motivated letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, publication list (if possible), and reference letters (if available).

The application deadline is April 12, 2026, at 23:59 GMT +2. Applications must be submitted electronically in English via the University of Copenhagen application portal. After the deadline, applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor, and interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 20. For further information about the PhD fellowship, contact Professor Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen. General information about PhD study at the Faculty of Science is available at the PhD School’s website.

The University of Copenhagen encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background and aims to reflect the surrounding community.