Declaration of interest regarding PhD project:
Department of Molecular Medicine at SDU is looking for applicants for a PhD scholarship within the field ofbiomarker and therapeutic target investigations in biliary are looking for a person with a relevant degree (MD MSc. etc.)
Research environment
The PhD project will be based at the Department of Inflammation Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM) University of Southern Denmark. The department constitutes an international and interdisciplinary research environment with strong expertise in immunology and inflammation including the mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases and their role in tissue damage and disease development. The research is characterized by close integration of basic and translational approaches as well as well-established collaboration with clinical environments. The department offers modern laboratory facilities employs advanced molecular and cellular methods and provides a stimulating inclusive and ambitious research environment with excellent opportunities for academic mentoring international collaboration and researcher training.
Project description
Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare and severe cholestatic liver disease of infancy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation. The disease is characterized by progressive inflammation and liver fibrosis yet the mechanisms driving fibrogenesis remain incompletely understood and reliable prognostic biomarkers are lacking. Improved risk stratification and a deeper mechanistic understanding of fibrosis development are essential to improve outcomes following Kasai portoenterostomy and to guide future therapeutic strategies.
This PhD project investigates extracellular matrix-related mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis in BA through a combination of clinical translational and experimental approaches. The PhD student will work with patient cohort to perform biomarker analyses and statistical modeling of clinical parallel the student will contribute to the development and validation of novel blood-based biomarker assay. Mechanistic studies will be conducted in a neonatal large-animal model of cholestatic liver injury where the student will participate in in vivo interventions longitudinal sample collection and downstream analyses of liver fibrosis immune responses and tissue remodeling using histological biochemical and molecular techniques. The study is performed in collaboration between University of Southern Denmark in Odense and Copenhagen University Hospital/University in Copenhagen and the student will have tasks at both locations. The project offers comprehensive training in translational liver research including data analysis experimental design and scientific dissemination.
Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in translational biomedical research and liver ideal candidate has:
For further information about the position please contact; ).
For further information about the project please contact:
Professor Grith L Sørensen
Department of Molecular Medicine
University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Applications must include:
At letter stating the interest motivation and qualifications for the project (max. 2 pages) - upload under Application form.
Detailed CV including personal contact information
Certified copy of diploma (Masters degree in a relevant field)
Shortlisting may be used in the assessment process.
Further information about the PhD-study can be found at thehomepage of the University.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the link Apply now. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF format. We strongly recommend that you readHow to apply for a position at SDUbefore you apply.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.
Closing date Feburary 28th 2026
Successful candidates will be asked to send an application to the PhD Secretariat Faculty of Health Sciences to be enrolled as PhD students.
The PhD programme will be carried out in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order)
Salary and Working Conditions at SDU
PhD students employed at SDU are employed as PhD fellows according to the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations in public employment (AC) agreement.
Salary and any salary supplement are paid according to your seniority level and as negotiated with your union representative. The base salary (excluding 18.07% pension contribution) is DKK 374912.98.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
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