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The Loft Group at the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, invite applications from outstanding candidates, who are interested in joining the group as a PhD student. The position is available from September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Research project
Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of metabolic complications, including metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the extent and severity of these complications vary markedly between individuals - an observation that highlights the concept of 'metabolically healthy' versus 'unhealthy' obesity.

The PhD project in the Loft Group will investigate how patient-specific responses to obesity and type 2 diabetes in human adipose tissue contribute to the development and progression of MASLD and CAD. Using adipose tissue biopsies from individuals across a spectrum of metabolic disease severity, the project will leverage single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map cellular heterogeneity and tissue organization in unprecedented detail.

These datasets will be integrated with genetic profiling and mechanistic follow-up studies to uncover how specific cellular states, transcriptional programs, and genetic variants influence adipose tissue and systemic metabolic dysfunction.

The Loft Group
Anne Loft is a recipient of a Lundbeck Foundation Fellowship from 2023 and Group Leader in ATLAS since 2024. Research in the Loft group is particularly focused on understanding how the adipose tissue serves as a critical signaling hub in the context of metabolic diseases, such as MASLD and cardiovascular diseases. For this, we apply a range of single cell genomics technologies on clinical biopsies combined with bioinformatics, and a range of targeting strategies in mouse disease models.

As a member of the Center of Excellence in Functional Genomics and Tissue Plasticity (ATLAS), a key research focus in the group is understanding cellular diversity and communication determining differential interindividual phenotypic outcomes of obesity.

Research environment
The project will benefit from the highly interdisciplinary expertise in the ATLAS Center of Excellence. The work will primarily be carried out in the Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit, at Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SDU, but, depending on the interest of the student, may also involve research exchange to collaborating laboratories. The Functional Genomics & Metabolism Research Unit currently hosts eight independent research groups focusing on various aspects of gene regulatory mechanisms controlling cellular identity, differentiation and metabolism. The research unit constitutes an international, ambitious, highly dynamic, and well-equipped working environment. The unit and the department have state-of-the-art facilities for next generation sequencing, single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioimaging and transgenic mouse work. Strategic research alliances exist with Odense University Hospital (OUH).

PhD stipend qualifications/requirements

We are looking for highly motivated, dedicated, and ambitious candidates with:

  • A master’s degree in Life Science, preferable Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, or Computational Systems Biology.
  • Experience with NGS data or single cell-sequencing analysis is required. Competence in adipose tissue biology, cell culture work or mouse physiology would be an advantage.
  • Strong communication and collaborative skills and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English

We offer:

  • One three-year PhD positions in a highly stimulating, supportive, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
  • Enrollment in PhD school of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, which allows the candidate to tailor a flexible individualized course program
  • Training in a wide range of skills including research management, communication, networking, presentations, writing of manuscripts etc.
  • Research exchange to collaborating institution, depending on the interest of the PhD student
  • Mentoring and career development
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities, and infrastructure
  • Opportunity to interact with an extensive network of national and international collaborators
  • A competitive salary and social benefits (e.g., health coverage, parental leave, social security etc.)
  • Dedicated assistance and support with various practical, social, and legal aspects (housing, visa, administration, tax etc.), especially for international candidates through our international staff office and department.

Application deadline: 28 July 2025 at 23:59 hours local Danish time

Please see the full call, including how to apply, on www.sdu.dk

Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex

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