PhD Scholarship in Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology

Are you interested in developmental biology, endocrine disruption, and cutting-edge toxicology? Do you want to contribute to research that can improve chemical safety assessment and protect human health? As a PhD candidate at DTU, you will investigate thyroid gland development and its susceptibility to endocrine disrupting chemicals using advanced molecular, cellular, and transcriptomic approaches while contributing to next-generation methods for regulatory toxicology.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for an ambitious project delving into mammalian thyroid gland development to tackle increasing incidences of thyroid gland disorders and regulation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. You will conduct in depth developmental and mechanistic toxicology with the potential to make a real contribution towards safeguarding public health.

The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormones, essential for metabolism, development and health. Thyroid gland function is also susceptible to endocrine disruptors, with severe consequences for development, health and the brain. Although methods exist to test for thyroid hormone system disruption, current methods have significant limitations.

As the selected candidate, you will collaborate with a small team to integrate findings into broader contexts, such as model system development and regulatory applications, while balancing molecular and developmental biology research. The project employs diverse methodologies, including using ex vivo transplant cultures, in vivo tissues, bulk transcriptomics, histological and molecular biology techniques, and the development and application of advanced cell-based assays.

You will work in the Research Group for Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology. We are 20+ scientists, technicians and students conducting research into how environmental chemicals can disrupt development and cause disease.

This PhD project aims to contribute to science and regulatory toxicology by deciphering mechanisms with high translational relevance and develop methods to enhance chemical testing and regulation. Specific tasks include but are not limited to:

• Use in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro techniques to study thyroid gland development and disruption.
• Carry out in-depth histological and molecular characterization of cells and tissues.
• Carry out transcriptomics experiments and be involved with downstream bioinformatics analysis including conducting international research stay
• Conduct method optimization and development.
• Conduct literature studies to link xenobiotic exposure with effects on thyroid gland development

You are expected to carry out independent research under the guidance of your supervisors. You will work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment and are expected to take an active part in the scientific advancement and well-being of the group. Other responsibilities include:

• Complete courses required for completion of the PhD-programme at DTU (~30 ECTS)
• Write scientific papers and present your work at institutional, national and international meetings and conferences
• Undertake a research placement abroad for 2-4 month
• Teach and supervise BSc and MSc student project(s)
• Write a PhD-thesis for the completion of the PhD 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., cell/stem cell/organoid culture work, molecular techniques, 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 Louise Ramhøj and Head of Research Group Terje Svingen, and possibly other members of the research group.

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. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Expected 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 Louise Ramhøj (louram@food.dtu.dk) and 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 than21 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.