PhD Position in Neurodevelopment and Developmental Disruption

Rigshospitalet; Denmark; On-site; DKK 314,000 - 404,000; Full time

Job summary

PhD position in Neurodevelopment and Developmental Disruption at Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet invites applications for a 3-year PhD. The project studies how environmental and pharmaceutical exposures during early life may influence brain development and risk of disorders such as ADHD, with collaboration across University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University, and Harvard.

The successful candidate will conduct experimental work with cell lines, iPSC, animal models, and molecular

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in life sciences (neuroscience, biology, molecular biomedicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, or medicine).
• Experience with in vitro laboratory work.
• Interest in neurodevelopment and developmental toxicology.
• Good English communication skills, oral and written.
• Experience conducting independent research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental laboratory research with cell lines, primary cells, human iPSC, molecular imaging and molecular biology techniques.
• Participate in animal experiments including behavioural testing and MR analyses.
• Independently plan and carry out defined research projects.
• Communicate research findings at group meetings and international conferences, and through manuscripts.
• Collaborate closely with technical staff and students.
• Contribute to overall activities of the research group and project development.
• Experience with animal behavioural testing and analysis software is advantageous.

Skills

In vitro lab work

Independent research

English communication

Neurodevelopment interest

Animal research interest

Education

Master’s degree in life sciences

FELASA Function A/B/D certificate

Tools

FELASA certificate

Job description

PhD Position in Neurodevelopment and Developmental Disruption

Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet, Denmark

The Department of Growth and Reproduction invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on neurodevelopment and how environmental and pharmaceutical exposures during early life may disrupt brain development. The position will start as soon as possible.

The successful applicant will join a research project investigating how xenobiotic exposures during fetal life influence neurodevelopment and may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. The project combines experimental approaches in cellular and animal models to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying disrupted brain development. The project is conducted in collaboration with partners at the University of Copenhagen, Roskilde University, and Harvard University (Boston, USA).

The position is primarily experimental but may also include contributions to the group’s work on human studies.

The research group studies how developmental exposure to pharmaceuticals and environmental chemicals affects brain and reproductive development. The group applies a broad range of experimental approaches with a central focus on molecular and cellular biology. The successful candidate will be expected to integrate into the research team and participate in both animal and cell-based experimental work. Laboratory work will constitute a substantial part of the project and may include mechanistic studies using human induced pluripotent stem cells, primary cells, and rodent models.

The position requires a candidate who can work independently while also contributing actively to a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities and tasks

Conduct experimental laboratory research, including work with cell lines, primary cells, human induced pluripotent stem cells, molecular imaging, and general molecular biology techniques.

Participate in animal experiments incl. behavioral testing and MR analyses investigating mechanisms underlying disrupted neurodevelopment.

Independently plan and carry out defined research projects.

Communicate research findings through presentations at group meetings and national and international conferences, and through preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Collaborate closely with technical staff and students.

Contribute to the overall activities of the research group, including scientific discussions and project development.

Experience with animal behavioural testing and behavioural analysis software will be considered an advantage.

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in life sciences (e.g. Neuroscience, Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, or Medicine).
• Experience with in vitro laboratory work.
• Interest in neurodevelopment and developmental toxicology.
• A FELASA Function A/B/D certificate (formerly FELASA Category C), or eligibility to obtain this certification.
• Good English communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience conducting independent research projects.

We offer

The Department of Growth and Reproduction is an international centre for research on developmental disruption caused by xenobiotics. The Department functions as a global hub for research and training on how genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures affect sex development, brain development, and puberty.

The Department has a strong translational research profile and includes clinical and basic scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health researchers, providing an interdisciplinary research environment.

Further information

Further information about the position may be obtained from Professor David Møbjerg Kristensen, [e-mail].

Arbejdstid: Dag