PhD Scholarship in Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology

Can mechanistic biology help transform how we identify reproductive toxicants? Join an internationally connected PhD project at DTU and the University of Queensland (UQ; Australia) exploring retinoic acid signaling as an important pathway linking chemical exposure to adverse reproductive outcomes.

We are seeking a highly motivated person for a 3-year PhD position within reproductive toxicology and developmental biology as part of a strategic collaboration between DTU and UQ.

The PhD project –"Predictive Reproductive Toxicology Through Retinoid Signaling and Adverse Outcome Pathways" – aims to improve the identification and prediction of reproductive toxicants by integrating mechanistic developmental biology with regulatory toxicology. The project is jointly supervised by researchers at DTU and the University of Queensland (UQ) and includes a planned research stay of approximately six months in Australia, as well as synergy with a second PhD project anchored at the UQ partner group.

Retinoid signaling plays a critical role in reproductive development, yet its contribution to chemical-induced reproductive toxicity remains insufficiently understood. The successful applicant will investigate how disruption of retinoid signaling can be linked to adverse reproductive outcomes and contribute to the development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for regulatory use. The work will combine chemical prioritization, analysis of high-throughput screening data, targeted experimental studies, and regulatory interpretation of toxicological evidence.

The position will involve developmental and reproductive toxicology studies including experimental models and approaches such as intrauterine rodent exposure study, morphological, histopathological and molecular analyses of cells and tissues, ex vivo cultures and more.

The position provides a unique opportunity to work at the interface of mechanistic biology and regulatory science while collaborating closely with leading researchers at DTU and UQ. The candidate will gain interdisciplinary training spanning reproductive toxicology, developmental biology, chemical hazard assessment, and AOP development.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You are expected to carry out independent research under the guidance of your supervisor team. You will work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment and will take an active role in the scientific advancement of the group. Other responsibilities include:

• Complete courses required for completion of the Ph.D.-programme at DTU (~30 ECTS)
• Write scientific papers and present your work at institutional, national and international meetings and conferences
• Undertake a research placement at the University of Queensland, Brisbane (Australia) for approx. one semester
• Co-supervise BSc and MSc student project(s)
• Write a Ph.D.-thesis for the completion of the Ph.D. candidature

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Other desirable qualifications include:

• Strong English language skills, verbal and written.
• Strong communication, prioritization and organizational skills
• Scientific curiosity and determination
• Ability to manage multiple parallel tasks and priorities while maintaining attention to detail
• Previous experience with laboratory work, e.g., molecular biology techniques, cell/tissue imaging, or animal studies.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by a panel consisting of main supervisor and Group leader Prof. Terje Svingen together with co-supervisor(s).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date is 1 January 2027 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Terje Svingen (tesv@food.dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU National food institute at www.food.dtu.dk/english and the research group at www.food.dtu.dk/english/Research/Molecular-and-Reproductive-Toxicology

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than Sunday, 27 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of 2-3 references that may be contacted by the assessment panel during the interview process.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU National Food Institute
DTU National Food Institute conducts research into and disseminates - through advice, innovation and teaching - sustainable and value-creating solutions in the area of food and health for the benefit of society. The vision is to make a difference by generating future prosperity through research into food and health. The institute works to prevent disease and promote health, develop new and better food products for a growing population and create sustainable technological solutions, including biosolutions. The institute’s tasks are carried out in interdisciplinary collaboration within e.g. nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, modelling, and technology. This is achieved through a strong academic environment of international top class with correspondingly skilled researchers and employees. The Institute employs approximately 390 staff members.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.