PhD Stipend in Genetic Analysis and Cardiovascular Disease – Sex-Specific Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Aalborg University in Denmark

Aalborg University’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend in genetic analysis and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on sex-specific stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. The position is available from October 1, 2026, or soon thereafter, and is part of the doctoral program in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. The stipend is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and offers a three-year research opportunity in a multidisciplinary environment.

The PhD project sits at the intersection of genetics, epidemiology, and cardiovascular medicine. You will utilize large-scale genetic and health registry data to investigate sex-specific differences in stroke risk among patients with atrial fibrillation. The research involves applying Mendelian randomization and other causal inference methods to uncover genetic pathways contributing to disparities in stroke risk. The project aims to improve risk prediction and inform sex-specific prevention strategies, combining statistical modeling with clinical insight.

Research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Center for Clinical Data Science (CLINDA) and the Bioinformatics and Statistics research group. The Department of Clinical Medicine is structurally integrated within the Faculty of Health Sciences and collaborates with hospitals in the North Denmark Region and general practice. The Danish Center for Health Services Research provides a multidisciplinary and open research environment, encompassing epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics, sociology, and clinical research. The department is affiliated with approximately 40 research units, each representing a specific medical specialty, and is associated with several other research units and centres.

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in statistics, genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, clinical data science, medicine, or a related field. Programming skills (R, Python, or similar) and experience in handling and analyzing large-scale genetic datasets are highly desirable. Familiarity with genetic association studies and analytical pipelines for genomic data is an advantage. Excellent oral and written English communication skills are required. Candidates expecting to complete their MSc before the appointment date may apply, but must provide documentation of expected graduation.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree and are normally for a period of three years. Enrollment as a PhD student at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology is required, in accordance with Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025. The program includes completion of PhD courses (30 ECTS), teaching or knowledge dissemination, and an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) at a foreign research institution.

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). There is a mutual probationary period of three months. Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees, offering real-world-oriented education and world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies.

To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. Include a statement of motivation, CV, diplomas (bachelor's and master's, including grades), and other relevant documents. Ensure documentation of expected graduation if your MSc is pending. The assessment of candidates will be carried out by qualified experts, and shortlisting will be applied. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

For further information, contact Lektor Peter Brønnum Nielsen ([email protected]) or Lektor Rasmus Froberg Brøndum ([email protected]).